Methods to deal with traumatic brain injury symptoms

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that occurs in the brain area. It is a closed head injury that can happen when it hits, explodes, or jolt the head. TBI is an internal injury that also occurs if something enters the skull.

If you have a head injury or other trauma that may be causing TBI, you need to get medical assistance as soon as possible. The traumatic brain injury symptoms depend on the type of injury and the severity of the brain injury.

Minor injuries

Many victims may not be aware of what is TBI and how it can severely affect them.

Minor traumatic brain injuries usually do not require treatment other than rest and painkillers available outside the counter to treat headaches. However, a person with a minor traumatic brain injury often needs to get monitored closely at home for any persistent, worsening, or underlying symptoms. He may also have a doctor's appointment for follow-up.

The doctor will guide when a return to work, school, or leisure activities is appropriate. Related rest - which means limiting physical or mental (mental) activities which make things worse - is typically recommended for the first few days or until your doctor advises that it is OK to resume normal activities.

It is not recommended that you entirely rest from mental and physical activities. Many people are slowly returning to regular routines.

Immediate care

Emergency care for moderate to severe brain damage focuses on having adequate oxygen and blood supply, maintaining blood pressure, and preventing head or neck injuries. To detect TBI, Southlake MRI & diagnostic center plays a crucial role. 

People who are severely injured may have other injuries that need to get repaired. Additional treatment in the emergency room or intensive care unit of the hospital will reduce secondary injuries due to inflammation, bleeding, or decreased oxygen supply to the brain.

Medications

Medications to reduce secondary brain damage immediately after injury may include:

Anti-seizure drugs: People who have moderate to severe brain damage risk fainting during the first week after their injury.

Antiretroviral drug: An antiretroviral drug can be given during the first week to avoid further psychological damage caused by seizures. Continuous anti-seizure medications are only for seizures.

Coma-inducing drugs: Sometimes, doctors use drugs to lure people into a temporary condition because the brain needs less oxygen to function. It is helpful if the blood vessels, under pressure from the brain, cannot supply brain cells with regular nutrients and oxygen amounts.

Diuretics: These drugs reduce the fluid amount in the muscles and increase urine output. Diuretics, given intravenously to people with TBI, help lessen stress within the brain. 

Surgery

Emergency surgery may get needed to minimize further damage to brain tissue depending on what is TBI symptoms. Surgery can get used to deal with the following problems:

Hemorrhage (hematomas): Bleeding outside or inside the brain can lead to the accumulation of thick blood (hematoma). That compresses the brain and damages brain tissue.

Repairing a skull fracture: Surgery may be needed to correct a fractured skull or remove pieces of the skull from the brain.

Bleeding from the brain: Head injuries that cause bleeding to the brain may require surgery to stop the bleeding.

Opens the skull window: Surgery can get used to relieving pressure inside the skull by removing excess cerebrospinal fluid or creating a window in the skull which gives more space for swollen tissue.

Prevention

According to Southlake MRI & diagnostic center, follow these tips to reduce the risk of brain damage:

Seat belts and airbags: Keep your seat belt fastened. A small child should always sit in the car’s back seat secured in a child safety seat or booster seat appropriate for its size and weight.

Alcohol and drug abuse: Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs that may impair your driving ability.

Protective helmets: Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile, or any vehicle. Also, wear appropriate head protection while playing baseball or social media, skiing, skiing, snowboarding, or horseback riding.

Pay attention to your surroundings: Do not drive, walk or cross the road while using your phone, tablet, or another smart device. These types of distractions can lead to accidents or falls.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury may be an emergency. In the case of severe TBI, the effects can quickly worsen without treatment. Doctors or healthcare practitioners need to assess the condition immediately.

Several strategies can help a person with a traumatic brain injury cope with daily activities, communication, and interpersonal relationships.

Treatment usually begins at the hospital and continues at the rehabilitation center, treatment room, or outpatient services. So, the traumatic brain injury symptoms need to get checked before they get severe. Find more information about Traumatic Brain Injury at Advantage Health System.