Parkwood Baptist Church members are rallying for a teacher and member of the Gaston County community who was in critical condition after a skateboarding accident left him with a severe brain injury. The husband and father reportedly fell off a long board and sustained injuries, resulting in pressure in his skull.
Doctors remain hopeful after his last surgery and the swelling in his head is going down. The accident has likely caused brain damage, although doctors are unsure of the extent. He is being treated in Tennessee.
Medical advances have made it much easier for traumatic brain injuries to be identified and treated, but the effects are still serious. Changes in brain function can impact a person’s family, work and social life and may require long-term rehabilitation
There are two categories of traumatic brain injury: mild and severe. Mild brain injuries result in loss of consciousness and/or confusion for less than 30 minutes. It may lead to headaches, short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and irritability. An MRI or CAT scan is appropriate to assess damage. Even mild brain trauma can negatively impact a person’s life long after the accident.
The Gaston County man suffered a severe brain injury marked by loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes and memory loss longer than 24 hours. This type of injury can cause loss of high-level cognitive functions and even leave patients in a coma. Survivors may have limited control over their limbs, irregular speech, problems thinking or may no longer feel like themselves. Recovery varies widely and depends on the extent of the injury and on the individual.
Traumatic brain injuries, whether mild or severe, may have a huge impact on patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact a dedicated North Carolina personal injury lawyer at Lanier Law Group, P.A.