Brian White | April 17, 2023 | Brain Injury
If your body is like a machine, your brain is the central computer. It receives information about what is happening inside and outside your body, then processes that information and issues commands and directions to your body’s muscles, organs, and tissues. The brain stem is the portal through which all information flows, connecting the brain to the rest of the body.
An injury to any part of your brain carries the potential for severe injuries like brain stem injuries. If this critical portion of the brain is permanently damaged, it will jeopardize your brain’s ability to send commands to the rest of your body, which can endanger your independence, mobility, and your very life.
How the Brain Stem Suffers Injury
The brain stem is located at the base of your brain and connects the brain itself with the spinal cord. It consists of three distinct regions.
The midbrain controls your senses of sight and hearing, motor control functioning, sleep, and your body’s temperature. Next, the part of the brain stem called the pons transmits neural signals between your cerebellum and medulla. Finally, the medulla oblongata controls the function of your respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Injuries to your brain stem are typically the result of a significant traumatic blow to the head. Although possible, it is rare for a minor bump to the head to cause a brain stem injury.
Instead, a brain stem injury is more likely to result from a:
- Car or truck accident
- Bicycling or motorcycling crash
- A slip or trip and fall where you hit your head
- Being struck by a falling object
- Construction site injuries
A brain stem injury can be present when other areas of the brain are also hurt. Therefore, you must seek treatment following any head injury to ascertain the extent and severity of the trauma.
Symptoms of a Brain Stem Injury
Recognizing the symptoms of a brain stem injury can help you know when you need to get to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
You may have injured your brain stem following a head injury if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness and trouble balancing
- Insomnia or unusual sleeping patterns
- Trouble breathing, eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Paralysis
These symptoms may not appear right away after a blow to the head. You must remain vigilant in the days and weeks following a head injury for any new or worsening symptoms. If you suspect you have any brain injury symptoms, you should get to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
Treatment for Brain Stem Injuries
The type of treatment or medical care you may need following a brain stem injury will depend on the severity of the injury and the bodily functions affected. You may require physical therapy or occupational therapy to regain your mobility.
But if the brain stem injury is severe, therapy may provide only a little benefit. In these cases, you may need assistive devices or long-term medical care to provide for your needs.
Paying for the Costs of a Brain Stem Injury After an Accident in Texas
Depending on how your brain stem injury occurred, you may be entitled to compensation to help recover costs associated with your care. If another person’s negligence led to your brain stem injury, a lawsuit against or settlement with that negligent person can recoup your expenses and losses.
A Houston personal injury lawyer will guide you through your next best steps following a brain stem injury.
Contact the Houston Brain Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston brain injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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Houston, TX 77098
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