The Vital Role of a Brain Injury Board Certified Physiatrist in Recovery and Legal Cases
Brain injury, also known as Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), is a serious health problem.
ABI includes any damage to the brain after birth. This includes traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a blow to the head from a fall, car accident, assault or sport injury. ABI also includes non-traumatic brain injury such as stroke, brain tumors, oxygen deprivation (anoxia), or exposure to toxins, infection, alcohol and drug use.
Each year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), with falls being the leading cause of TBI related hospitalizations [1]. Other common causes include motor vehicle accidents and assaults. The CDC reports that approximately 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities related to TBI [3].
In addition, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. There are an estimated 795,000 Americans who suffer a stroke every year.
~1.7 million Americans
with new TBI every year
~5.3 million Americans
living with disability from TBI
~795 million Americans
suffer a stroke every year
The Severity of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe damage affecting a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. While data suggests most TBIs are mild, a significant portion leave lasting consequences. The CDC estimates that around 80,000 people are hospitalized with some disability related to TBI each year, and tragically, over 69,000 die from TBI-related complications [1].
~80,000 Americans
hospitalized with some TBI-related disability every year
~ 5.3 million
Americans living with disability related to TBI
The Financial Burden of Brain Injury
The financial impact of brain injury is staggering. A 2019 study by the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation estimated the annual cost of TBI in the US to be a staggering $76.5 billion [4]. This cost encompasses medical expenses, lost productivity, and special education needs.
~$76.5 billion
Annual cost of TBI in the U.S.
The Role of a Brain Injury Board Certified Physiatrist
In the face of these challenges, a brain injury board certified physiatrist plays a vital role. With their expertise in evidence-based medicine and long-term follow-up, they can:
In-Depth Knowledge
A brain injury can be life-changing. Besides the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspect, it can result in multi-organ symptoms, resulting in complications such as spasticity, contractures, pain, inability to perform self care or care for other, incontinence of bowel and / or bowel and more. A physiatrist with subspecialty board certification in brain injury medicine has the specialized training and experience to deeply understand how a brain injury can affect all facets of the body and quality of life.
Comprehensive Approach
A physiatrist understand the multi-organ complications of a brain injury including neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain, spasticity, contractures, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, and other complications. They also coordinate rehabilitation efforts, including physical, occupational, and mental health therapy, to maximize a patient’s potential for regaining function and independence.
Long-term Care
Living with brain injury is lifelong. A physician specializing in brain injury medicine rehabilitation has the knowledge and experience to provide ongoing care, address new challenges, and help people manage their condition effectively. They build on this experience to provide an impartial, evidence and experience base when providing expert medical consulting services.
Partnering for a Brighter Future
Brain injury can be a life-altering event, but with the right support, recovery is possible. A brain injury board certified physiatrist can be your partner in navigating the complexities of treatment and legal considerations, empowering you to make informed decisions and work towards a brighter future.
References
LAW + MEDICINE
Ellia Ciammaichella, DO, JD
Dr. Ciammaichella is a board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), spinal cord injury medicine, and brain injury medicine and is a renowned author and speaker in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. She completed her PM&R Residency at the University of Texas at Houston and spent a significant amount of time at TIRR, a national renown center for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. She obtained specialized training at the spinal cord injury fellowship at the University of Utah Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital.
Her meticulous eye for detail and unique dual qualifications as a physician and lawyer make her an indispensable resource for clients seeking in-depth expertise at the intersection of medicine and law.
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