What is intracranial pressure?

Brain injuries can lead to serious complications such as swelling (edema) and bleeding, which cause the brain to expand. Unlike other parts of the body, the brain is enclosed within the rigid structure of the skull, leaving no room for expansion. When swelling occurs, intracranial pressure (ICP) increases, compressing brain tissue and disrupting normal brain function. Without prompt intervention, this pressure can lead to further brain damage, disability, or even death.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, brain injury attorneys Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro have decades of experience handling cases involving traumatic brain injuries and the complications that arise from them, such as increased ICP. Their dedication to brain injury advocacy ensures clients receive informed and compassionate representation.

What Happens When Intracranial Pressure Increases?

When the brain swells or bleeds, the following changes can occur:

• Increased pressure within the skull: The rigid structure of the skull leaves no room for expansion.
• Compression of delicate brain tissue: This can impair critical functions.
• Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery: These effects exacerbate the injury and increase the risk of long-term damage.

The effects of increased intracranial pressure highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

How Is Increased Intracranial Pressure Managed?

To manage these risks, doctors monitor intracranial pressure using a device called an intracranial pressure monitor. This device allows medical professionals to:

• Assess pressure changes in real time.
• Take immediate action to reduce dangerous levels of swelling.

This monitoring is similar to how tire pressure is measured for safety—it’s a critical tool to ensure proper brain function and prevent further injury. Timely intervention is essential to improving outcomes and promoting recovery.

Shana De Caro, past Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, emphasizes that proper monitoring and treatment of brain injuries are vital to preventing complications and safeguarding recovery.

What Is the Role of Experienced Brain Injury Attorneys?

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we understand the devastating effects of brain swelling and increased intracranial pressure. Our experienced attorneys are uniquely equipped to:

• Investigate the circumstances of the injury, determining whether medical negligence or other forms of negligence contributed to the harm.
• Collaborate with medical experts to assess how tracking and treatment (or lack thereof) affected the outcome.
• Advocate for fair compensation, ensuring victims receive the resources needed for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support.

Michael Kaplen, a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, uses his legal and medical knowledge to ensure that clients’ cases are backed by a thorough understanding of the science behind brain injuries.

Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to Represent You?

When you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, you gain more than legal representation—you gain a team that understands the complexities of traumatic brain injuries. Michael Kaplen and Shana De Caro are nationally recognized leaders in brain injury law, bringing decades of experience to every case.

• Michael V. Kaplen is board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and has been named one of New York’s top 100 trial lawyers.
• Shana De Caro is a former Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America and has been a leading voice in brain injury advocacy.

Their commitment to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring clients receive justice has earned them recognition as Preferred Attorneys by the Brain Injury Association of America.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury involving swelling or increased intracranial pressure, contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We are here to guide you through the complexities of brain injury recovery and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.

About The Author

Michael V. Kaplen represents victims of vehicle collisions, unsafe buildings and construction sites, and medical malpractice, and is a preferred attorney of The Brain Injury Association of America.

Michael is board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and board certified in medical malpractice litigation. He is a Professorial Lecturer in Law, The George Washington University Law School, The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Michael is past chairman of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Automobile, Highway and Premise Liability Section, past chairman of the AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, three term president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State served two terms as chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council and vice-president, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He was invited by President Obama to participate in the White House Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit.

He is admitted to courts in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC. He has been selected as a New York Super Lawyer and recognized by Best Lawyers of America and U.S. News and World Report in personal injury law.