Human anatomy has fascinated the medical world for hundreds of years. From the first anatomically detailed drawings of the structure of the human body by Leonardo da Vinci right through to the most up to date scanning methods, we are intrigued by how our bodies work. Thanks to medical research, we now understand how the central nervous system controls muscles, body functions and movement. But the study of one part of the human body still has a long way to go before we can fully understand even a fraction of how it works. That part of the body is the brain.

An immensely complex organism, the brain is made up of a variety of different cells, all linked together by synaptic pathways that allow electronic impulses to trigger various parts of the organism. It also contains several glands that control the release of various hormones into the body, telling us when we’re hungry, cold, too hot or even controlling our emotional responses. Surrounded by cerebral fluid, the brain floats within the confines of the skull and is connected to the central nervous system through the spinal cord.

Complex But Vulnerable

As well as being incredibly complex, the human brain is also incredibly delicate. Whilst the hard outer casing of the skull may appear to offer a degree of protection, the brain is in fact extremely vulnerable to damage. Unlike other parts of the body the brain cells, once damaged, have a great deal of difficulty in repairing themselves. Most brain damage is permanent and can have devastating consequences for the rest of the victim’s life.

Brain injuries can be the result of a number of situations, ranging from illness to trauma. By far the most common cause of brain injury is through trauma or a blow to the head. This does not necessarily have to breach the hard outer skull to cause damage to the internal tissue of the brain. A sudden and violent transitional movement to the body can result in the brain ‘moving about’ inside the skull, causing it to impact against the inner surface of the bone. In mild cases this results in concussion. In more severe cases it can result in permanent brain damage and a lifetime of care for the victim.

It can only take a second to change a life. Most severe head trauma is the result of a road traffic accident or fall from height. For road traffic accident victims it could be the result of a momentary lack of concentration on the part of another driver, the consequences of which mean a complete change of lifestyle and a lifetime of suffering for the victim and their family. Brain injuries do not just affect the victim. They have a devastating impact on the immediate family too, particularly if the victim is the primary breadwinner in the home. Brain injuries are a challenge to the medical profession as well, as every injury will be different. While one victim may lose mobility or the ability to communicate, another may physically be fine but may experience severe psychological problems, depending on which part of the brain is affected.

A Vital Support Network

For brain injury victims, knowing that they have a support network around them is vital if they are to stand any chance of regaining some sense of normality. Not only does that include trained medical professionals and their own family, but if the accident was the result of another person’s negligence, they need to know that they are being looked after legally too. A brain injury can dramatically affect a person’s financial position in the long term, and talking to a specialist serious injury lawyer to explore the possibilities of compensation should be high on the list of priorities. By removing the added burden of financial worry, a brain injury victim can then focus on the most important thing – the long road to recovery.

Author Bio: Serious injury lawyers with unrivalled expertise. Specialist services in accident claims for spinal injury, brain injury, head injury and motorcycle accidents from the UK’s leading specialised injury law practice. Nigel Glover Email: ng@seriouslaw.co.uk Tel:0800 61 66 81 URL: http://www.accidentclaimlaw.co.uk/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: accident claims solicitors,accident claims, accidents claim,