Health Care Providers

The neurologist specializes in the medical treatment of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. A neurologist is first called to make an initial evaluation, diagnose the injury and consult on immediate medical care the patient requires.

The physiatrist combines physical medicine and rehabilitation medicine directed at renewing function and these medical doctors are trained in both neurology and orthopedics.
The neuropsychologist specializes in evaluating brain function and performs sophisticated tests of brain function necessary to identify specific injuries and to select appropriate rehabilitation efforts.

Respiratory or pulmonary therapists help the patient breathe and maintain a ventilator employed to insure clear airways.

Physical therapists focus on restoring motor function, strengthening muscles, improving coordination, balance, endurance and the movement of joints.

Occupational therapists provide rehabilitation skills to help the patient perform physical tasks involving both gross and fine motor skills, as well as performing the six activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring [getting in and out of a chair or bed], continence (voluntary bowel and bladder functions), and feeding.

Because speech deficits are the most common disability for patients, speech pathologists are involved in evaluating and teaching speech, writing, reading and expression skills aimed at both comprehension and communication.

Cognitive therapists teach the patient how to learn. The goal is to help patients identify techniques to improve their ability to remember ideas. Computers are used extensively as a training tool by cognitive therapists.

Vocational rehabilitation counselors identify skills, aptitudes, and abilities that will help restore the patient to the world of work. To determine the level of vocational functioning the counselor also evaluates the patient’s ability to follow instructions and social skills. Testing helps determine the patient’s ability to learn, to make judgments and to evaluate productivity, punctuality, reaction time, distractibility and tolerance for frustration. Once the evaluation is completed a specialized training program is designed and implemented to promote a smooth transition to being able to once again be gainfully employed. Survivors of traumatic brain injuries face monumental challenges to job re-entry and having realistic expectations are important from the outset. Many times work adjustment training, driver training, job seeking and interviewing skills may be insufficient and a job coach is needed to facilitate a smooth transition. Still, educating employers is the chief obstacle for the family and representatives of traumatic brain injury survivors.

The educational therapist teaches the basic skills needed to return to school or work and arranges for a special educational environment from designing course work that will develop reading, writing or math skills to arranging for note takers or tape recorders in class.

Treatment and Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process is different for everyone. Rehabilitation programs should be individualized, catering to each person's unique needs. Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two brain injuries are exactly alike. The person with a brain injury and his or her family should always be the most important members of the treatment team.

The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain the most independent level of functioning possible. Rehabilitation channels the body's natural healing abilities and the brain's re-learning processes so an individual may recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. Rehabilitation also involves learning new ways to compensate for abilities that have permanently changed due to brain injury. There is much that is still unknown about the brain and brain injury rehabilitation. Treatment methods and technology are rapidly advancing as knowledge of the brain and its function increases.

Brain Injury Support Groups can help individuals with brain injury and their loved ones cope and increase their knowledge about brain injury issues. Support group members can provide valuable emotional support because of their experiences and understanding of the impact of brain injury. Brain injury support groups are also a good place to network and learn from others -- what they have done in similar situations. Support group types, locations, and times can be obtained from State Brain Injury Affiliates or rehabilitation centers.

Time Limits on Filing Suit
Every case has a statute of limitations that will apply. It varies by the type of case and the state where the case is filed. Don't wait until there is trouble or until the end of your case to get a lawyer. Your attorney would prefer to be involved every step of the way, to monitor your case, to guide you, to prevent trouble, and to assist you.

The attorneys at Irwin & Boesen are experienced in the area of traumatic brain injuries. We understand the devastating consequences that these injuries can have on a person and their family.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another person or company, please contact us for an honest and fair evaluation of your case.