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How Is the Severity of a Traumatic Brain Injury Determined?

If you or someone you know has recently suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s crucial to understand the severity of the injury. Diagnosing the severity of a TBI plays a key role in determining the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation, and doctors rely on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) for diagnosis. Read on to learn about how the severity of a TBI is determined, as well as the characteristics of the different classifications.

The Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized system used to assess the neurological status of a patient with a TBI. The GCS considers a patient’s ability to open their eyes, verbal responses, and motor responses. The maximum score on the GCS is 15, with the lowest possible score being three. A score of 8 or lower typically indicates a severe TBI, while a score between 9 and 12 indicates a moderate TBI. A score between 13 and 15 indicates mild TBI.

TBI Classifications

Suffering from a traumatic brain injury can be a difficult and scary process for anyone. It is important to remember, however, that there are different severities of TBI and each individual’s journey towards recovery is unique. Here’s a breakdown of the common characteristics of each level of TBI:

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

A mild TBI generally does not cause a loss of consciousness. If a person loses consciousness, it is for less than 30 minutes. The GCS score for a mild TBI is between 13 and 15. Fortunately, with the right course of treatment, most people with a mild TBI experience a full recovery within a few weeks. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mood Swings

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (modTBI)

A moderate TBI can result in unconsciousness for more than 30 minutes, and some individuals could be unconscious for up to 24 hours. People who have a moderate TBI receive a GCS score between 9 and 12, and rehabilitation is often necessary for a full recovery. Some common symptoms of a moderate TBI include:

• Memory Loss
• Mood Swings
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (sTBI)

People who receive a GCS score of 8 or lower after an injury are typically diagnosed with a severe TBI. It’s characterized by a loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours, with memory loss lasting for more than 7 days. The symptoms of a severe TBI can be the same as a mild TBI and moderate TBI, but they’re typically more intense. Often, patients with a severe TBI can have several symptoms at once.

Rehabilitation and—in many cases—long-term medical care is necessary to treat severe TBI. With the right course of treatment, many patients can enjoy a full recovery.

Impact Medical Group Is Your Partner in TBI Recovery

If you’ve experienced a TBI, the impact on your life can be significant, including necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery time. The caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Sarasota is your partner in recovery. Our TBI specialists can diagnose and treat TBI—we’re with you every step of the way as you navigate the recovery process. Call us today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your free medical evaluation.

Our Guide To Insurance-Based vs Cash-Based Chiropractors

Many people throughout Florida put off chiropractic care every day no matter how badly they need it just because of the hassles and complications that come with the payment side of things. This is unfortunate because anyone can benefit from professional adjustments whether it be in the neck, spine, limbs, or elsewhere for a lighter and more flexible body. Cash-based chiropractors are encouraging more people to take care of their bodies with a payment plan that’s more convenient and affordable compared to insurance-based practices. Learn more about the differences between these two distinct types of pay before stopping by your local Impact Medical Self-Pay Chiro for fast and affordable care!

The Complications of Insurance-Based Chiropractors

There are countless factors that people needing chiropractic care would rather avoid, thus leading to chronic stiffness and pains from failing to visit a specialist in time. The main issue has to do with the subject of pay when it comes to insurance-based practices. When people come in for their scheduled visit, they go through the entire process of getting seen which often includes an exam on top of the chiropractic practices themselves. It’s not until after the fact when there’s no turning back, that they’ll discover a medical bill in the mail with a balance that’s much more than they were expecting. Even with the initial co-pay, there’s no guarantee that your insurance policy will pay for the visit in full which can put you in a tight spot if your financial situation isn’t ideal. And what’s worse is that inconvenient mix-ups concerning payment are common when it comes to communications between three different parties.

Self-Pay Chiros Making Chiropractic Care Easier And More Accessible

With self-pay chiropractors, you can pay for your visits upfront with cash so there are no complications about leftover bill amounts after you’ve already had your chiropractic adjustments done. You simply pay for as many visits as you want ahead of time and come in whenever it’s convenient for you. There’s no waiting around for a bill to show up weeks later and you’ll know exactly what you’re paying from the get-go. This makes getting chiropractic care so much easier and more affordable for those who don’t have the luxury of medical insurance in the first place.

Bottom Line: Visit A Cash-Based Chiropractor

If you were to ask anyone on the street, they might not be able to list any benefits or disadvantages between insurance-based and cash-based chiropractors off the top of their heads because it’s not really something that most people think about. But knowing the difference is something that can be used to your advantage and get you the chiropractic care that you need for a healthy and flexible body. So when it comes down to better ways to pay for chiropractic care, you’ll most likely have an easier time visiting a cash-based chiropractor the next time you’re thinking about seeing a specialist.

The Best Self-Pay Chiro In Florida!

For easy and affordable chiropractic care in Florida, visit your local Impact Medical Self-Pay Chiro as the best cash-based chiropractor near you! Call any of our locations for more information on how you can reap the benefits and promote a healthier body.

Three Tests You May Need After a Car Accident (CT scan, MRI, X-ray)

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience—one that doesn’t just affect you physically but also mentally and emotionally. While some accidents may leave you with minor injuries, others can cause debilitating ones that require immediate medical attention. In many cases, medical professionals will perform different tests to diagnose the extent of your injuries and determine what treatments are necessary. Read on to learn all about three of the most common tests you may need after a car crash: CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.

CT scan

A CT scan, also known as a computed tomography scan, is a non-invasive, painless test that helps doctors diagnose various medical conditions, including those resulting from a car accident. It combines X-ray images with computer technology to produce detailed images of your body’s internal structures. CT scans are especially useful in identifying internal bleeding, bone fractures, and organ damage. They can also detect blood clots or hemorrhages in the brain caused by head trauma, which can prevent severe complications such as stroke.

Getting a CT scan can seem daunting, but it’s a quick and easy procedure that can provide crucial information about your health. CT scans typically take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. During the scan, you’ll lay still on a table that moves through the scanner while a series of pictures are taken. Don’t worry about feeling claustrophobic—CT machines are open at both ends and the technician will communicate with you throughout the process. It’s important to get a CT scan if your doctor recommends it, as it can help detect and diagnose injuries that may be unseen.

MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of different body parts. MRIs are particularly useful in diagnosing soft tissue injuries such as those to the neck, spinal cord, or back, which can be challenging to spot with other imaging techniques. An MRI can also detect damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as pinpoint inflammation or infection in the body.

Many people might feel apprehensive at the thought of getting an MRI scan, but it’s important to know this procedure isn’t as frightening as its reputation might suggest. An MRI scan only takes around 30 minutes to an hour. You’ll need to lie still inside a narrow tube-like machine that makes various noises. The MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your body’s internal structures. While the machine can seem a bit intimidating at first, there’s no pain involved and the whole process is actually quite peaceful.

X-ray

X-rays are the most common diagnostic tool used to detect fractures or breaks in bones. They use low levels of radiation to take images of your body’s internal structures. Like CT scans, X-rays can identify internal injuries such as damage to organs or internal bleeding caused by trauma. They can also detect injuries such as chipped or broken teeth due to the force of impact.

Thankfully, this is a simple and easy procedure that won’t take much time – usually only about 10 to 15 minutes! It’s completely painless. So, there’s really nothing to be afraid of when it comes to getting an X-ray taken.

Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s vital to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or symptoms. Your doctor may perform one or more tests to diagnose your injuries accurately, CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays being the most common. These tests can help identify injuries that are not visible to the naked eye, such as internal bleeding, and can help your doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Remember, prompt medical attention can help prevent long-term complications and speed up your recovery. Call the medical team at Impact Medical Group of St. Petersburg today at (727) 722-8103 to schedule your free medical evaluation, so you can fully recover after an accident.

What Should You Expect from A Pain Management Doctor?

Suffering from chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, affecting virtually every aspect of your life. It can negatively impact your mood, sleep patterns, and ability to accomplish even the simplest tasks. If you’ve been injured in an accident or struggle with ongoing pain related to an illness, you may benefit from visiting a pain management doctor.

At Impact Medical Sun City Center, we understand how frustrating it can be to live with chronic pain. We’re committed to providing personalized care and effective treatment options that help reduce your discomfort while improving your quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect when seeking out care from a pain management doctor and highlight some key considerations to keep in mind during the process.

What is Pain Management?

Pain management is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain.

It involves using various approaches to alleviate pain, including:

• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Other therapies

After an accident, proper pain management is crucial for a patient’s recovery. Pain can be both physical and emotional, affecting not only the injured area but also an individual’s mood and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to address pain effectively to avoid long-term complications such as depression or anxiety.

A comprehensive approach to after-accident care involves developing a personalized pain management plan for each patient. This plan should consider the type of injury sustained, any preexisting conditions that may affect recovery, and the level of discomfort experienced by the patient.

Visiting a Pain Management Doctor

Pain management doctors have the knowledge and expertise to treat different types of pain, including chronic pain caused by an accident or injury. When seeking after-accident care, it’s important to know what to expect from a pain management doctor.

A thorough examination will take place during your first visit with a pain management doctor. This may involve getting X-rays or other imaging tests done to assess the extent of damage caused by an accident. The doctor will ask you questions about the type and intensity of pain you are experiencing and will develop a treatment plan tailored just for you.

Do I Have to Take a Bunch of Tests?

While tests are crucial in determining the severity of the injury and devising an appropriate treatment plan, not all pain management treatments require numerous tests. The type of test required depends on the cause and severity of your pain.

For instance, if you have severe chronic pain resulting from an underlying condition such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, your doctor may perform blood tests to determine whether any underlying medical issues need addressing.

Alternatively, if you have recently been involved in an accident or sustained injuries during physical activity, your doctor may conduct imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to gain insight into the extent of injuries.

Ultimately, while some types of pain management may require multiple tests— others do not.

What Kinds of Treatments Are Available for Pain Management?

After an accident, it is common for people to experience physical pain that can interfere with their daily activities. A pain management doctor can be instrumental in providing relief to these patients. They may use a combination of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, or muscle relaxants along with physical therapy exercises to help restore mobility and reduce inflammation at the site of injury.

In addition, they may recommend alternative methods such as acupuncture or manual therapy which can also provide significant relief without relying on medications alone.

Finally, your doctor may also recommend injections, nerve blocks, or even surgery depending on your specific situation.

Will I Have to See a Pain Management Doctor Forever?

While you may have found relief by visiting a pain management doctor, you may be wondering if you will need to see them forever.

The answer depends on the severity of your injuries and how well your body responds to treatment. For some people, ongoing pain management is necessary to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. A skilled pain management doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan that includes therapies like medication, physical therapy, and nerve blocks.

However, it’s important to remember that the goal of pain management is not just managing symptoms but also treating any underlying conditions or injuries that are causing discomfort.

Say Goodbye to Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With our pain management specialists at Impact Medical Sun City Center, you can say goodbye to chronic pain and regain control over your life. Our team offers a range of personalized treatment options that are tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.

Let us help you find relief and start living your life pain-free! Call (813) 938-5195 today!