As previous posts on this blog detailed, traumatic brain injuries can arise from much more common causes than you may think. Yet regardless of the cause of your loved one’s TBI, your only question in the immediate aftermath of them sustaining one in Statesville is likely what their long-term prognosis may be.
Those who come to see us here at Pressly Thomas & Conley want to know that very thing; at the same time, however, they do not know if that is possible. If you share the concern, rest assured that clinicians can give you an indication.
Determining the extent of a TBI
This is due to a clinical observation test known as the Glasgow Coma Scale. Clinicians come up with a GCS score by measuring your loved one’s responses in the following areas:
- Motor skills
- Eye movement
- Verbal responses
Each of their responses earns a point total, and the aggregation of those totals produces their final GCS score. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a score above 13 indicates a mild brain injury, while a score below eight is indicative of a severe TBI.
Dealing with a TBI
An extensive brain injury can leave your loved one with severe physical and mental limitations for the rest of their lives (even to the point of requiring round-the-clock care). It is easy to feel as though they dodged the proverbial bullet if clinicians believe they sustained a mild (or even moderate) TBI. Yet even these types of TBIs can force them to deal with cognitive deficits that make returning to their pre-injury way of life difficult. Thus, a favorable GCS score does not necessarily mean that you and your loved one do not have a long emotional (and financial road ahead of you).
You can find out more about dealing with severe injuries by continuing to explore our site.
