Traumatic Brain Injury

What causes a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually happens when you sustain a blow to the head. The severity of your symptoms depends on what part of the brain is affected, as well as the type of injury. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are:

• Falls
• Car accidents
• Domestic violence
• Sports
• Work hazards

When your brain collides with the inside of your skull, this can cause tearing in the nerve fibers, bruising, bleeding, and skull fractures.

What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

A TBI can cause a number of symptoms. These may appear immediately after the accident or injury, or they may develop over time. Some common physical signs are:

• Loss of consciousness
• Headaches
• Disorientation
• Fatigue
• Speech problems
• Seizures
• Vomiting or nausea

A traumatic brain injury can also lead to mental or emotional symptoms such as trouble sleeping and mood changes. Some patients also display aggressive behavior and memory or concentration problems, along with signs of depression or anxiety.

What is the treatment for a traumatic brain injury?

The immediate need after an injury is to make sure your brain has enough oxygen and blood supply. After you’re in stable condition, your physician may want to run some diagnostic and neuromonitoring tests to understand the nature and severity of your injury.

Medication is a common first line of action after a TBI. This may include diuretics to reduce pressure in the brain or antiseizure drugs to reduce the risk of seizures after an injury. In severe cases, you might need surgery to repair structural issues or remove clotted blood.

In the long run, you might also need rehabilitation services, such as:

• Occupational therapy
• Psychiatry
• Physical therapy
• Speech and language therapy

At South Valley Neurology, your neurologist can help coordinate your care with other medical providers to ensure you make a full recovery. Each patient has a unique healing timeline, but with the right care, you can usually return to your normal life and regain all of your cognitive and physical faculties.

To learn more about treatment for a traumatic brain injury, call the office to schedule an appointment today.