Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) resulting from violent vehicle impact or rapid rotational acceleration often go undiagnosed in emergency rooms focusing on visible orthopedic wounds. Even a 'mild' TBI (concussion) can produce debilitating long-term cognitive deficits, memory loss, vestibular dysfunction, and executive processing impairment.
1. TBI Diagnostic & Litigation Framework
| TBI Severity Tier | Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) | Loss of Consciousness | Diagnostic Imaging Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild TBI / Concussion | 13 – 15 | < 30 minutes (or dazed) | High-resolution 3T MRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) |
| Moderate TBI | 9 – 12 | 30 minutes – 24 hours | CT scan showing micro-hemorrhages, Neuropsychological battery |
| Severe TBI | 3 – 8 | > 24 hours (Coma state) | Continuous ICP monitoring, MRI showing structural brain damage |