Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a traumatic brain injury?

Most traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen because of a blow to the head. They can also result from whiplash, a violent back-and-forth motion usually sustained in auto accidents where your brain collides with the inside of your skull.

Damage from a TBI varies depending on the force your brain sustains. The most common injury is concussion, a mild trauma that you should recover from with rest. Moderate or severe injuries could fracture your skull and lead to severe brain traumas, including:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in your brain)
• Cerebral contusion (bruising)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around your brain)
• Hydrocephalus (fluid around your brain)
• Hematoma (bleeding under your skull)
• Diffuse nerve injuries (torn or stretched nerves in your brain)

Dr. Lamar at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, is an expert in TBIs, having completed a fellowship at a VA medical center treating traumatic brain injuries and concussions.

What symptoms do traumatic brain injuries cause?

Symptoms of TBIs vary depending on the damage to your brain. Concussions don’t usually cause any loss of consciousness, but if they do, it’s typically for a few seconds or minutes at most. In contrast, you might remain unconscious for six or more hours after a moderate or severe brain injury.

Other symptoms TBIs cause include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Difficulty focusing
• Problems sleeping
• Slurred speech

The brain can swell after an injury, which is problematic because the skull is restricted. Brain swelling results in pressure that can lead to complications.

How are traumatic brain injuries treated?

Mental and physical rest is essential after a concussion so your brain has time to heal. Other than monitoring symptoms to ensure they don’t worsen, you’re unlikely to need additional treatment.

Hospitalization is usually necessary for moderate to severe brain injuries. You might need medications to reduce the risk of secondary brain injuries and minimize their effects. You might require surgery to:

• Stop bleeding in or around your brain
• Remove a blood clot
• Reduce pressure inside your skull
• Repair a fracture

Brain monitoring is essential after a moderate to severe TBI to identify complications like contusions (bruises), swelling, or hematomas (blood pockets) that may require prompt surgery.

After you leave the hospital, Dr. Lamar monitors your brain health and manages your care. He also coordinates rehabilitation services for patients whose TBI affects functions like speech and movement.

Call Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, today to benefit from expert traumatic brain injury treatment. You can also inquire online using the appointment booking feature.