catastrophic: Lewkovich Guidelines
Concussion cases continue to escape many chiropractors attention. Yet, those injuries can be the most devastating for your MVA patients.
Most serious concussion cases come from air bag explosions. They are 200 mph micro-second missiles launched into your patient's chest and head. Some experts believe air bags are no longer necessary with the 3-point seat belt systems. In fact, air bags can do more damage than good.
The key is correctly diagnosing concussions.
Every year, some 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries. Many studies are following these injuries with concern over long term effects.
The question is, what are the best practices for monitoring those patients who suffer concussions?
Dr. Lewkovich suggests a 5-stage program: To get a full explanation of all 5 states see below….
| ❖ | Nausea |
| ❖ | Vertigo |
| ❖ | Constant headaches |
| ❖ | Photophobia |
| ❖ | Tinnitus |
| ❖ | Impaired memory |
| ❖ | [up to 24 points are listed] |
30 Days Post-injury check:
| ❖ | Symptoms improved? |
| ❖ | Significant emotional distress increase? |
Red Flags to consider are:
| ❖ | Slurred speech |
| ❖ | LOC |
| ❖ | Severe behavior changes [a list of 10] |
This is a fascinating and major area of concern!
For the full abbreviated guidelines for Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, email johntawlian@shawnsteel.com for your copy.
Butte 03/13/14
Long Beach 03/19/14
San Diego 03/26/14
San Bernardino 04/22/14
Sacramento 05/13/14
Oakland 05/14/14
San Francisco 06/05/14
North Bay 06/18/14
• Tong & Associates
Moreno Valley 03/27/14
Los Angeles 04/24/14
Burbank 05/22/14
For questions call John at 310-697-9000 or
e-mail johntawlian@shawnsteel.com
$750,000.00
Raymond, 52 years old, with his family of 6, was driving through the Inland Empire when he was rear-ended on the freeway. His car was towed. Raymond was more concerned about his wife and kids. After seeking local chiropractic help, he returned to the Mid-West and continued care.
Despite several months of active therapy, Raymond's condition deteriorated with acute cervical herniations. The damaged discs were proven by the MRI obtained under DC's recommendation. His DC recommended he see a pro chiropractic medical orthopedist. The ortho recommended continued chiropractic care and a return to his office in 30 days. The ortho ordered more tests and asked Raymond to see other specialists, with the chiropractor's knowledge.
His condition worsened and surgery was the final stage. Both the DC and MD agreed the procedure needed to take place at a leading university hospital.
At first, State Farm did not believe Raymond was hurt very much. State Farm "reserved" very little money for the settlement. For six months we litigated and bombarded State Farm with numerous test results, reports, CV's proving the high caliber of the doctors, and the chiropractor's notes. State Farm finally agreed to pay the policy limits
| ❖ | Occasionally what appears to be a minor injury can become catastrophic. |
| ❖ | It takes a good clinician to carefully measure if a patient is making progress or not; |
| ❖ | If not, it takes a great clinician to make a smart referral. |
