A new MRI scanning technique, called diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI, can disclose abnormalities in patients with traumatic brain injury, whose injuries could not be seen on any diagnostic imaging, according to a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and reported by the National Library of Medicine.
As an attorney handling traumatic brain injury cases, I see this as having great potential for helping people with TBI and MTBI convince judges and juries that their injuries are real. For most MTBI cases now, we have to rely on neuropsychological testing, and witnesses who notice mental impairments in MTBI victims. The defense usually relies heavily on the lack of evidence of injury in any diagnostic images, such as traditional MRIs, claiming that the victim if fabricating or exaggerating symptoms following a head injury. These symptoms commonly include impaired short-term memory, inability to concentrate or multi-task, disorientation, and generally slowed thinking.
Although some 80+% of people who suffer a concussion-or MTBI-have only temporary cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other symptoms, some have long-lasting or permanent problems. Ironically, brain abnormalities are seen in autopsy for MTBI sufferers. This is of course no help for clients seeking recoveries in MTBI cases. Oftentimes, the person with the MTBI is a intelligent, high-functioning person, who can appear normal, or even above average, despite the impairment. Having an objective imaging test to show the effects of MTBI would increase the chances of getting appropriate compensation for people with these injuries.
Callaway & Wolf have handled many traumatic brain injury cases around the Bay Area. Callawy and Wolf have years of experience in proving and recovering for their clients' traumatic brain injuries. Request a free case evaluation from a San Francisco traumatic brain injury attorney, or call us at 415-541-0300.
