Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a particularly insidious form of injury. The effects may not be apparent immediately after an accident, but they can last a lifetime and have a permanent impact on both your life and the lives of those around you. In the past, we have discussed the signs and symptoms of TBI and even possible treatments. A recent news story has brought to light just how difficult a diagnosis can be.
Trent Denlinger was a University of Wisconsin football player. Starting in 2011, Denlinger began to show promise on the field. With a new coach in place, he started getting more game time, and began to fill a “utility” role, filling in for different positions as needed and strengthening his usefulness as an all-around player.
All of that changed last year. During a homecoming game against Maryland, Denlinger was blind-sided while playing right guard on the field-goal unit. He said, “The guy wasn’t lined up across from me. He was more over the center. He hit me in the side of the head. I didn’t see him coming… I finished the rest of the game, but I had never taken a hit like that before.”
A few days later, Denlinger started experiencing severe headaches. The UW trainers tested him for concussion, but found no evidence. However, his symptoms persisted. A week later, Denlinger was unable to walk a straight line. After that, he began slurring his speech. Both he and his family believed that he had suffered a mild concussion, and that these effects were temporary.
Two weeks later, Denlinger stayed behind while his team traveled to New Jersey to play Rutgers in the Big Ten. He and his family watched the game on television. It was then that his family became extremely worried about him. He was laughing at odd events and his responses seemed inappropriate. Denlinger had begun experiencing behavioral and neurological changes.
After a CT scan and an MRI, doctors concluded that Denlinger had a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) on his brain stem. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “A cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a collection of small blood vessels (capillaries) in the central nervous system (CNS) that is enlarged and irregular in structure. In CCM, the walls of the capillaries are thinner than normal, less elastic, and prone to leaking.”
Doctors concluded that the severe head trauma had partially ruptured Denlinger’s CCM, causing his neurological conditions and increasing pressure on the brain. Because the CCM was so close the brain stem, surgery was not an option. Denlinger is benched for now, but his prognosis is actually fairly good. A year, doctors say, will reverse the effects. However, when it comes to TBI, nothing is certain, and the effects could last a lifetime.
A cavernous malformation can occur anywhere in the body. It is presumed to be genetic, and the effects are generally minimal until some type of trauma occurs. When a cavernous malformation begins bleeding, it can have a massive impact, as in Trent Denlinger’s case. A relatively minor traumatic injury to the brain can suddenly become massively disruptive, changing the way you think, speak, and move. When these effects become permanent, medical bills start to stack up very quickly.
If you’ve suffered a TBI, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, emergency care, and ongoing treatment. Sudden trauma can bring any number of hidden conditions to light, not least of which is CCM. A TBI can have life-altering consequences for you and your family; coupled with a hidden condition, it can be disastrous. Our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys can help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm today for a free consultation at one of our offices in Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville.
