It takes a detailed evaluation to determine if a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, has developed after a traumatic event like a car crash. The development of TBI is generally a cause of compensation for an accident victim in California. There are several methods used to determine this medical condition.

Select the type of treatment

The types of head injuries that occur during auto accidents vary from slight headaches to severe, life-threatening comas. A minor injury can be treated on your own with several hours of rest while the pain and inflammation decreases. A TBI that lasts for a day or longer requires that you enter an inpatient hospital unit and receive immediate treatment from an injury specialist.

Consult with doctors

If you are suffering from TBI symptoms, you are advised to visit your primary care physician first. This provider can refer you to a specialist in head injuries, which is usually a neurologist or neuropsychologist who is trained in diagnosing and treating concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Undergo tests

A doctor often refers a patient to undergo neurological and psychological tests. Plaintiffs involved in a personal injury lawsuit must show proof of their TBI condition, and they must undergo certain types of brain imaging tests. An MRI is needed to show images of the brain's structure and matter. This type of imaging reveals the extent of damage on different areas of the brain, which could affect the person's thoughts and actions.

Building your TBI case

Medical imaging and assessments must be provided by a qualified doctor to prove a traumatic brain injury. This is necessary to help a plaintiff's personal injury case after a car accident.