Brain Injury

Researchers Find New Way to Identify Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients

by | January 28th, 2014

January 27, 2014

One of the most difficult parts of a doctor diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is being able to properly identify the condition, considering many of the symptoms of a TBI are not visible to the naked eye. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say researchers at the University of Virginia may have developed a solution to this problem.

An article from YottaFire explains the team is using positron emission tomography (PET) scans and immune responses to identify changes in the brain at a molecular level, thus allowing the team to identify changes to brain biology and chemistry that can confirm a TBI has occurred.

Typically, less advanced imaging systems are used on TBI patients, which leaves doctors to heavily rely on patients describing their symptoms to diagnose their conditions. Now, the PET scan allows physicians to note when a compound similar to the structure of a radioactive tracer attaches to a white blood cell known as neutrophils. When a TBI occurs, the neutrophils attach to the brain at the site of the injury, allowing the team to collect images of the injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the advancements being made in the treatment of TBIs and are hopeful to see further research conducted in the field of brain injury treatment in the future as well.

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Brain Injury Regulations for High School Athletes to Recreational Leagues

by | November 18th, 2013

November 18, 2013

Despite numerous regulations being put into place in recent years to protect Virginia’s high school athletes from the dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a large number of participants in the state’s sports programs are still suffering dangerous blows to the head. In fact, the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point out that a single doctor at one hospital in the city states he sees roughly 20 new TBI cases per week.

According to a story from WAVY 10 News, these numbers have prompted state lawmakers to consider further regulating sports in the region to help reduce TBI numbers. Laws are in place that create standards of care and education regarding TBIs for athletes participating in high school sports, but no such policies are in place for recreational sports leagues. That is why a group of legislators want to reform laws to include these organizations in the steps being taken to protect athletes from injury.

These changes would force recreational sports athletes, coaches, and parents to take an educational course on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Furthermore, any athlete suspected of having suffered such an injury would be pulled from participation immediately until they could be cleared to return to the field by a trained medical professional.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful the decision that is reached in the matter will help to better protect children from the dangers of brain injuries.

 

Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers Discuss New Treatment for Veterans Suffering from PTSD

by | November 4th, 2013

November 4, 2013

Brain injuries are one of the most common injuries reported by soldiers returning from combat. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers say these injuries can lead to victims suffering from a number of conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While there are currently several treatment options in place for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, none have proven highly effective. Now, according to an article from ABC 13 News, one doctor has stated he believes he has found a cure for these conditions using a technique typically used on scuba divers who surface too quickly.

Dr. Paul Harch has been using Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy to effectively treat PTSD in soldiers and veterans. The treatment works by placing the subject in a chamber where air pressures are changed in order to allow the blood to absorb more oxygen. Harch says increasing in the body’s oxygen is the key to healing victims of PTSD.

However, it is important to remember that the treatment has not been approved by the FDA and comes with several dangers to the patient, including death.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the need for better treatment options for soldiers and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The firm is here to help anyone suffering as a result of an injury sustained during service to our country.

 

Lawsuits Claim Mold Contamination To Blame For Brain Injuries In Norfolk

by | October 14th, 2013

October 14, 2013

While the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer Stanley concede there can be numerous causes for serious brain injuries, perhaps one of the most uncommon would be mold; however, a U.S. District Judge in Norfolk, Virginia, has stated that a lawsuit alleges mold in military housing was responsible for causing just such an injury.

According to an article from the Hampton Roads Pilot Online, a private company signed a 50-year lease with the Navy in 2005 to privatize housing for military families in the region; however, nearly two dozen cases have been filed against the company alleging they have been negligent in failing to respond to claims of mold in the housing facilities. Complaints claim the mold is the result of “damp indoor spaces” that lack proper ventilation.

Some of the conditions plaintiffs say have resulted from the contamination include memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating, all of which are signs of serious brain injury.

Attorneys representing the company have stated the claims are exaggerated and added that settlements in the cases are highly unlikely; however, a trial date has yet to be set for the cases.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the serious harmed caused by both mold and brain injuries. That’s why the firm is hopeful a decision in the case will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the victims.

Dangers Brain Injuries Pose To Athletes Gaining Attention In Virginia

by | September 30th, 2013

September 30, 2013

The National Football League (NFL) recently reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought against the organization by roughly 4,500 former and present players, regarding a lack of warnings about the dangers traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose to their long-term health. The Virginia Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the decision was made following new information regarding how TBIs can cause the tissue of the brain to deteriorate, resulting in brain damage.

Both of these findings have led coaches and staff at all levels of athletics to become more concerned than ever with protecting their players from risky injuries. According to an article from the Daily Press, coaches at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are being lauded for their stance on always taking precautions with potentially injured players.

Typically, this means that when a player is hurt, the coaches will pull the player off of the field until a qualified medical professional can examine the hurt individual to determine if and when they should return to play. Coaches, players, and staff are also required to take part in an educational program that offers instruction on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to protect athletes from harm, but encourage anyone who does suffer a TBI to discuss their legal options with an attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

Researchers Discover Progesterone May Help Heal Traumatic Brain Injuries

by | July 22nd, 2013

July 22, 2013

Data indicates that as many as two million people per year are the victims of a Traumatic Brain Injury. The long-lasting effects of such an injury can be devastating, but scientists believe they have discovered a new and effective way of treating such injuries.

According to an article by KSAT News, researchers have shown that a certain hormone found only in pregnant women may help those who have suffered a brain injury heal faster. Reports indicate the study examined the effects progesterone may have on the victim of a brain injury. The hormone was given to the victim within eight hours of the injury and was then administered for another five days following the incident.

The team concluded those who received progesterone showed more rebuilding of the blood-brain barrier, a decrease in brain swelling, and less cell death than those who were part of a control group.

The team plans to continue their research by examining the recovery of the victims over the next six months. They also hope to expand their research to include more participants.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the discovery and the technological advancements that may accompany it. The firm is hopeful the research will lead to better treatments for those who sustain serious brain traumas.

Family of Norfolk Brain Injury Victim Awarded $10.9 Million In Damages

by | May 20th, 2013

May 20, 2013

A settlement has been reached in a Norfolk Brain Injury Lawsuit that was filed on behalf of a Virginia toddler who was seriously injured after falling at a Virginia Hotel. Reports indicate the child will be awarded roughly $11 million in damages.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on September 4, 2011, at a Ramada hotel in Norfolk. According to the Claims Journal, the child was playing near a railway on the second floor of the hotel when he suddenly went through the barrier and fell roughly one story.

The child sustained serious brain injuries as a result of the fall and will likely require specialized medical care for the remainder of this life due to the injuries.

The child’s parents filed suit against the hotel, claiming it was negligent in failing to better protect its guests from the hazards of a fall presented by the insufficiently protected walkway. Last month, a Norfolk County Circuit Court judge approved the settlement under the stipulations that roughly $4 million of the damages be used to pay unpaid medical bills and attorney’s fees. The rest will be dispersed to the child through a trust fund that was established.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize the financial strain such a serious injury can place on a family. The firm is hopeful the decision will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the family.

Novelty Helmets Contribute To High Number Of Brain Injuries In Motorcycle Accidents Victims

by | April 22nd, 2013

April 22, 2013

Data has long supported the idea that wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle can drastically reduce the chances of injury or death in the event of an accident. Despite these numbers, more than 800,000 novelty helmets, which offer no protection during a collision, are distributed in the United States each year.

Motorcyclists sustaining serious Brain Injuries are often the result of wearing a novelty helmet when an accident occurs. An article from the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting discusses this risk and what is being done to solve the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that as many as 754 people die each year when they are involved in motorcycle accidents while wearing novelty helmets. This high number leaves many wondering, why these items are still being sold if they offer no protection?

Selling the novelty helmets is legal as long as they make no misrepresentation as to their compliance with safety standards and regulations outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Others ask, why aren’t the helmets banned from use?

Law does ban the use of novelty helmets when riding on the highway; however, enforcement of this law can be difficult. In Virginia, for instance, it is illegal for law enforcement to utilize helmet checkpoints to catch those breaking the state’s helmet law.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley encourage motorcyclists to stay safe by always wearing a DOT-Approved helmet when riding.

 

Brain Injury Education Becomes A Priority In Virginia

by | February 25th, 2013

February 25, 2013

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 62 percent increase in the number of young athletes who suffered traumatic Brain Injuries over the past decade. This has brought heavy attention to the problem and prompted the state government to take action aimed at protecting athletes from harm.

NBC 29 News says Virginia enacted a law requiring coaches, athletes, and their parents to participate in a brain injury education seminar before hitting the field. The program is aimed at teaching individuals how to recognize the signs a brain injury has occurred and what action should be taken in the event an athlete is injured.

One trainer stated she has identified more than 30 such injuries in her school alone and say the most common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Sensitivity to Light and/or Noise
  • Disruption of Sleep Patterns

Knowing the signs of this particular type of injury is becoming ever more important, as research emerges showing the effects repeat injuries can have and just how long recovery can take. Experts say the average college student will need 10 days to recover from a brain injury, while a high school student could need up to a month.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley encourage citizens to become aware of both the dangers and symptoms associated with brain injuries.

New Regulations Could Make Getting Veterans’ Disability Benefits Easier

by | January 29th, 2013

January 28, 2013

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is considering enacting rules that would make it easier for service members who have certain conditions, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or Parkinson’s disease, to receive benefits. An article from The Manistee News discussed the new regulation and the effects it could have on veterans and military personnel.

The new rule means that a veteran who can establish that he or she sustained a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty would no longer be responsible for proving the injury was the cause of a secondary illness such as Parkinson’s, depression, dementia, or certain hormone deficiencies. Even those with injuries that fall outside of certain guidelines could still see a significant bump in benefits from the new regulation.

As many as 179,000 veterans who have sustained TBIs during their time in the military since the year 2000 may be affected by the new regulation if it is adopted.

The public has until February 8 to comment on the legislation, at which point, it will either be removed from the agenda or advanced to be heard during a legislative session.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how complex veterans assistance programs can be and are hopeful the law will be beneficial to getting veterans the care that they need and deserve.