Measuring Traumatic Headaches

High quality neurologists describe severe headaches in 3 dimensions. We suggest this approach is useful for primary care doctors.


1. How frequent is the headache --- daily or weekly?
2. Where is the headache located? e.g. “2 inches behind the eyes radiating up on the top of the eyes”
3. What are the pain levels?
4. What is the duration of each episode?

The ICD-9 offers at least 49 codes for different levels of headaches. The ICD-10 does better with over 60 DX codes.

Headaches are a common symptom after most auto collisions. For severe accidents, headaches may not “go away” for years---they may subside—but the residuals are long lasting.

Start with:

339.21 Acute Post Traumatic Headache
Or
339.22 Chronic Post Traumatic Headache

For a copy of the basic headache icd-9 codes compiled by Sam Collins contact johntawlian@shawnsteel.com



Beware of the Air Bag: Takata

It looked like Hien Tran was stabbed in the neck following her car accident, detectives could not find the suspect.

However, police determined her cause of death was the air bag. Upon impact, her air bag exploded and sent shrapnel flying into her neck.

More than 14 million vehicles from 11 automakers are being recalled. Sadly, Takata and Honda had known for years about similar complaints.

Takata is still unwilling to make a complete national recall according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Admin.

Some cars already recalled include:
✓ BMW
✓ Chrysler
✓ Ford
✓ Honda
✓ Mazda
✓ Mitsubishi
✓ Nissan
✓ Subaru
✓ Toyota

If you would like a copy of the article, please email johntawlian@shawnsteel.com






Mild TBI Claimed: Bicyclist hits door opened on Parked Car

Chastidy Ronan was lawfully riding her bicycle in San Francisco. Defendant negligently opened his car door in her lane of traffic without warning. Ronan flew off the bicycle and struck her forehead and hands on the cement surface.

The key claim was Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI]. Both sides used neuropsychologists as experts. TBI’s are difficult and can be subjective to prove. Ronan did not lose any time from her job. She is 35 and an executive director of a nonprofit organization. The case turned if it was reasonable for Ronan to continue to have ongoing problems from her concussion. Did she really continue to suffer a mild TBI?

Defendant claimed there were no cognitive residuals.

Defendant offered $119,000 and Plaintiff demanded $450,000 before trial.

The San Francisco Superior Court Jury awarded $463,550. Ronan Vs. Panagiotopoulos, Judge James McBride, Oct 28, 2014.


PRACTICE TIPS

1. Even “mild” brain injuries are serious business and generally are valued more than 6 figures.
2. The key is the expert. Contact your PI attorney to get the name of a reliable neuro-psych PhD.
3. Look for major coup contrecoup injuries. Concussion cases usually require violent incidents—associated with LOC. Usually, the brain is struck by a solid object.



We work everywhere in California


From the Oregon border to the Mexican, we examine any case in California to see if we can substantially help your patient.

Call 800-626-0003 or check our web site: www.shawnsteel.com