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One out of 500 Americans suffers from a traumatic brain injury ("TBI") each year. "Brain injury" refers to a wide spectrum of brain injuries with most falling toward one end of the spectrum or the other. An injury is readily apparent in cases of severe traumatic brain injury ("STBI"); however, an injury is not so readily apparent in cases of mild traumatic brain injury ("MTBI").

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Mild brain injuries are often referred to as "invisible injuries." The neuropathology of such injuries occur at microscopic cellular injuries below the threshold standard of standard neuroradiologic procedures such as CT or MRI. Most victims of MTBI suffer other physical injuries which are more apparent and require immediate medical attention. With the focus of medical care upon obvious physical injuries, MTBI may not be accurately detected, diagnosed or treated.

Victims of mild traumatic brain injuries may not realize subtle changes apparent to family members, friends or co-workers. These changes may appear as irritability, low frustration levels, concentration problems and forgetfulness. Victims of MTBI also frequently suffer from secondary anxiety, depression, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology which also obscure an underlying mild traumatic brain injury.

If you recognize the subtle changes discussed above in a friend or loved one who has potentially suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, it is important that the changes be brought to the attention of medical care providers to facilitate a thorough analysis of the potential causes of such changes and hopefully successful treatment.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a VA injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases brought by victims of traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, in 2000, our firm helped a plaintiff receive what was then the largest verdict ever in a Virginia brain injury case. We also have a blog in which we discuss only topics related to brain injuries and head wounds. 

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008.Shapiro and Lewis have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2008. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers receive this professional honor. In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA injury law firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News if you or a family member has been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.