A traumatic brain injury has the potential to alter your life. For this reason, it’s imperative to understand the finer details of the injury, including the type of treatment that gives you the best chance of making a full recovery.
The first thing you need to know about a traumatic brain injury is that it requires immediate medical attention. If you have any reason to believe you’ve suffered this type of injury, such as in a motor vehicle accident, don’t delay in calling 911.
Upon arriving at the hospital, your medical team will do whatever it takes to stabilize you. From there, they’ll run a variety of tests to learn more about your injury. These tests typically include a CT scan and MRI. Both of these provide a detailed look at your brain, thus providing doctors with any evidence of bleeding, bruising, blood clots or swelling.
Treatment for a traumatic brain injury
After your doctors run all the necessary tests, they’re able to make an informed decision regarding the best type of treatment. For example, a mild traumatic brain injury may not require much treatment outside of quite a bit of rest and pain medication.
If you’ve suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, the treatment strategy is much more advanced.
Surgery is often required to address the following issues:
- Repairing a skull fracture
- Removing a blood clot
- Bleeding in the brain
- Opening a window to relieve pressure
Most significant brain injuries eventually require rehabilitation. For example, you may need to relearn basic life skills, such as how to talk, walk and dress yourself.
There are many types of rehabilitation specialists that can help, including but not limited to:
- Physical therapist
- Physiatrist
- Occupational therapist
- Language and speech pathologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Recreational therapist
- Vocational counselor
After suffering a traumatic brain injury there is nothing more important than your health and doing what’s best for your future. However, as time allows, you and/or your loved ones should learn more about the accident that caused your injury.
For instance, if you were injured in a car accident as the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to take action to hold them responsible for your injuries and damages.
