Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly severe, and they can happen to anyone. Many traumatic brain injuries are caused by car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and workplace accidents. Treatments for traumatic brain injuries depends on several factors, including the location of the brain injury and the patient’s unique symptoms. The most common treatments for traumatic brain injuries include surgery, medications, and therapy.
1. Emergency Care
Patients who suffered a traumatic brain injury must receive emergency medical care as soon as possible. Typically, emergency care focuses on ensuring the patient has an adequate blood supply and enough oxygen. Doctors also focus on preventing further neck or head injuries. When patients have other severe injuries, such as deep lacerations and organ damage, surgeons will often operate as soon as possible.
2. Surgery
In severe cases, surgeons will operate immediately to minimize bleeding and brain damage. Sometimes surgeons will remove clotted blood in the brain, resulting in a hematoma that puts too much pressure on brain tissue. Hematomas can damage brain tissue, as well. In other cases, surgeons will need to repair skull fractures. When someone’s head slams against a dashboard, the skull can fracture and leave dangerous shards of bone inside the patient’s brain. Sturgeons need to carefully remove all of the bone fragments to prevent further brain damage.
In other cases, surgeons have a difficult time stopping brain hemorrhages. They may need to place a shunt to help the blood drain from the brain into the patient’s stomach. When a patient’s brain is swelling too quickly due to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, the surgeon may need to cut a hole in the patient’s skull to relieve pressure and prevent any other damage.
3. Medications
There are many different types of medications doctors used to treat patients with traumatic brain injuries. Doctors need to monitor any potential side effects of these medications carefully. They may give analgesics for pain management and relief, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, and antidepressant symptoms. Sometimes doctors prescribe muscle relaxants when patients are suffering spasticity or muscle spasms due to their brain injuries. In other cases, doctors prescribe stimulants to help the patient increase his or her attention and awareness. When doctors fear blood clots in the brain, they may prescribe anticoagulants.
4. Therapy
Therapy and rehabilitation are also important aspects of treating traumatic brain injuries. The treatment team may use occupational therapists, physiatrists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, social workers, and traumatic brain injury nurse specialists to help treat traumatic brain injuries. Recreational therapists can assist patients with learning how to engage in leisure activities and time management. Additionally, vocational counselors can help patients learn how to return to work after their traumatic brain injury.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by another party’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact Griggs Injury Law to schedule your free consultation.
