Sustaining any injuries affecting the brain stem can have devastating consequences, leading to the loss of motor skills and cognitive functioning. This is because the brain stem is a critical pathway for messages from the brain’s control centers to the spinal cord, which sends messages to the rest of the body. As such, this injury should not be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact various aspects of your life. While recovery is possible for some, it’s often a long process. If you have suffered a brain stem injury due to another party’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of our determined Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyers, who can help fight for you during these challenging times.
What Are Common Causes of Brain Stem Injuires in Maryland?
Unfortunately, various circumstances can lead to a brain stem head injury. Generally, brain stem damage arises when an individual experiences a forceful blow to the head in a personal injury accident. A person can endure this type of injury in the following scenarios:
- Car accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that conditions like a heart attack can also cause damage to your brain stem. As such, if you suffer a heart attack as a result of an auto accident, you can suffer a brain stem injury even if you did not endure a blow to the head. In addition, a person can sustain this head injury as a result of criminal acts of violence.
What Function Does it Serve?
The brain is a complex organ responsible for regulating all bodily functions. When someone sustains this type of head injury, it can lead to a wide range of complications that can affect their life forever. In severe cases, such as injuries to the mid-brain, pons, and medulla oblongata, victims may experience brain death. However, even less severe injuries can have significant impacts on functioning, including issues such as:
- Comas
- Difficulty swallowing
- Locked-in syndrome
- Severe motor difficulties (balance and coordination)
- Breathing problems
Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may require long-term care in facilities or undergo outpatient treatments for restoring functions. Many victims often don’t fully regain functions. They may have disabilities that impact their ability to earn a living or engage in activities that they once enjoyed before suffering their injuries.
As you can see, when a brain stem injury occurs, the consequences to the victim’s life are often dramatic. At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we understand how complex these matters can be. Our skilled legal team is prepared to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
