Helmet Guide: Which Helmet for Which Activity?

Posted on by Brian Jacobson Posted in Brain Injury

Regardless of the age of the patient, brain injury is a common injury type seen in British Columbia hospitals. It is possible to suffer a brain injury in many different ways, from a motor vehicle accident to a sports accident to a bicycle accident – and a number of other incidents could result in this type of severe injury as well. Although you cannot prevent all injuries, you can take preventive measures to lower your chances of an accident that may result in brain injuries.

The following is a list of some common activities and appropriate protective head gear for each:

  • Bicycling, recreational roller skating, and recreational in-line skating: Standard bicycle helmet
  • BMX cycling: BMX-specific helmet
  • Downhill mountain biking: Downhill helmet
  • Competitive, aggressive, or trick skateboarding, roller skating, or in-line skating: Skateboard helmet
  • ATV, motocross, dirt bike, or mini-bike riding: Motorcycle helmet or motocross helmet
  • Go-karting or karting: Motorcycle helmet
… Continue reading

When Can You Drive Again After Brain Injury?

Posted on by David Goldberg Posted in Motor Vehicle Accident

“When can I start driving again?” is one of the questions patients with brain injuries often ask their doctors post-injury.  The answer, unfortunately, is not simple, as each patient is different and every case is unique.

A brain injury can affect your vision, your thinking and perception, your physical abilities and your behavior including emotional control and good driving habits.  All of these are essential for you to drive safely.

Many people and agencies, including your doctor and brain injury lawyer, can be involved in deciding whether or not you can drive again.

The Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV) is ultimately responsible for making this decision if you are allowed to drive.

By law, if your doctor has concerns about your ability to drive, your doctor must report those concerns to the OSMV.  However, the OSMV can also receive information from other medical professionals, family members, health … Continue reading

Strategies to Assist Learning After Brain Injury

Posted on by Ben Tarnow Posted in Brain InjuryTagged

 

After a brain injury occurs, only a small portion of the treatment happens in the immediate post-accident moments. The bulk of treatment happens as you recover, which can be a gradual process. For many patients it is necessary to learn to do things all over again, especially in the case of traumatic brain injury. The strategies for learning after a brain injury will be determined by medical treatment professionals, and as a lawyer in Vancouver specializing in brain injury cases, we can help to make sure you have every opportunity for a full recovery.

A speech-language pathologist is often very helpful in helping patients suffering from brain injury to determine their specific issues with learning and communication. Once the learning problems have been isolated, the speech-language pathologist may work together with a physical therapist and/or other medical professionals to help design a treatment plan.

Patients often need to learn … Continue reading

What to do after a concussion

Posted on by David Goldberg Posted in Brain InjuryTagged

Rest.  If you have a brain injury like a concussion, you may be suffering from headaches, nausea, inability to concentrate and numerous other problems.  Your brain needs time to recover.  Rest means avoiding not only physical exertion but mental exertion as well.  Things like playing video games, watching TV or using a computer tax your brain and your brain needs rest.

People that are unknowledgeable about brain injuries may encourage you to tough it out and get on with it but the best thing you can do to recover is to rest.

We are brain injury lawyers, not doctors so you should always consult a doctor about your individual case.  Treatment for brain injuries is tailored to the individual, depending on the severity of the condition and whether or not there are other injuries.  Therefore, when you see a doctor, relate to the doctor all of your symptoms so the … Continue reading

Safety Tips for Skiers and Snowboarders

Posted on by David Goldberg Posted in Brain InjuryTagged

Our brain injury lawyers in Vancouver see plenty of serious injuries, some of them caused on the slopes. Sports like skiing and snowboarding present certain inherent dangers, but the chances of incurring an injury increase when safety protocol is not followed.

 

Instruction

Learn how to ski or snowboard before you set out on your own. A qualified instructor will not only ensure you learn proper techniques, but will also teach you how to protect yourself.

 Equipment

Safety equipment protects you and others. Helmets protect your head. Goggles help you see. Wear them.

 Conditioning

Get in shape before you hit the slopes. A body in poor physical condition is far more likely to be injured. Avoid any drugs or alcohol prior to engaging in these activities, as intoxication will increase your chances of sustaining injury, including brain injury.

 Right-of-Way

The person higher up the mountain must yield the right of … Continue reading