Description Traumatic brain inj...
Description
Traumatic brain injury is the disruption of normal brain function resulting from head trauma. In order to be classified as traumatic brain injury, individuals must experience a loss of consciousness at the time of injury, memory loss, confusion or stroke like symptoms. These symptoms can be temporary or permanent. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury and it is not surprising that alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of traumatic brain injury. Men are twice as likely as women to experience traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of injury. Symptoms may include a loss of consciousness at the time of injury, memory loss, confusion or stroke like symptoms. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. A thorough neurologic examination will be performed. A combination of blood and imaging tests may be performed based on symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. A thorough neurologic examination will be performed. A combination of blood and imaging tests may be performed based on symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Treatment can be divided into immediate and long term therapy and is guided by the severity of symptoms. Initially, therapy is directed at making sure the person is breathing on their own, stabilizing associated injuries (neck fractures), ensuring adequate oxygen levels and blood pressure. If there is significant trauma to the brain or bleeding, a neurosurgeon may need to be involved to stabilize the bleeding and the associated elevation of pressure in the brain. Longer term therapy is directed at the patient's symptoms. Many patients receive cognitive therapy. The goal of this therapy is aimed at restoring lost function in the brain. Combinations of puzzle solving, speech therapy, reading instruction and concentration training are used. In some cases, medications have helped relieve symptoms.