Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBI contributed to the death of nearly 50,000 people in the United States in 2013, and 1.7 million people in the U.S. suffer from TBI-related disabilities. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating TBI, there are a variety of treatments available that can help patients recover from their injuries.
Causes of TBIs
There are many different causes of TBIs. Some of the most common include car accidents, falls, and blows to the head during contact sports. Other less common causes include penetrating wounds to the head (such as from a bullet or knife), bomb blasts, and electrical shocks. Generally speaking, any type of blow or jolt to the head has the potential to cause a TBI.
Symptoms of TBIs
The symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some people may experience only mild symptoms that go away after a short period of time. Others may have more severe symptoms that last for days, weeks, or even longer. The most common symptoms of a TBI include headache, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and fatigue.
Treatment for TBIs
Treatment for a TBI will vary depending on the severity of the injury. For milder cases, rest and over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to help relieve symptoms. More severe cases may require hospitalization and rehabilitative therapy. In some extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any damage blood clots or repair skull fractures.
Medical Treatment
If you have suffered a TBI, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to assess the severity of your injury and recommend appropriate treatment. If your TBI is mild, you may only require over-the-counter pain medication and rest. However, if your TBI is more severe, you may need to be hospitalized for a time in order to receive comprehensive medical care.
Surgery may also be necessary in some cases of TBI. Surgery can be used to remove debris from the brain, relieve pressure on the brain, or repair skull fractures. Depending on the severity of your TBI, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or weeks after surgery.
Rehabilitation Therapy
After you have received initial medical treatment for your TBI, you will likely need to begin rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapy helps people with TBI regain their cognitive and physical functioning. It is often provided by a team of specialists including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists or counselors.
The goals of rehabilitation therapy are different for everyone; they will depend on the severity of your TBI as well as your individual needs and preferences. For example, if you have difficulty speaking after sustaining a TBI, speech therapy may be able to help you regain your ability to communicate effectively. Or if you have trouble walking after sustaining a TBI, physical therapy may be able to help you regain your ability to walk independently.
Support Groups and Counseling
Another important part of traumatic brain injury treatment is finding support from others who understand what you are going through. There are many online and offline support groups available for people with TBI and their loved ones. These groups can provide social support, practical advice, and emotional understanding – all of which can be vital for coping with TBI.
Counseling can also be an effective form of treatment for people with TBI; counseling can help address feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger that are common after sustaining a brain injury.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to traumatic brain injury treatment; the best course of treatment depends on the severity of the injury as well as the individual needs of the patient. However, there are many effective treatments available; some common forms of treatment include medical care, surgery (in severe cases), rehabilitation therapy, support groups/counseling, and medication (for pain relief or other symptoms). If you or someone you know has sustained a TBI, there is help available; reach out for support today
