Traumatic Brain Injury

What are traumatic brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious medical events that affect how your brain functions. Often, they occur due to trauma, like a fall or car accident. However, they can also be caused by playing contact sports or a falling object hitting your head.

TBIs range in severity. Some cause mild cognitive impairment that improves with rest and activity modification, while others are life-threatening and result in long-term medical issues. 

What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injury symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and balance issues
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Sleeping more than usual
• Anxiety
• Hearing or vision issues
• Aggressiveness
• Changes in sensory perception

Severe TBIs often cause a loss of consciousness and can impact your ability to communicate.

How are traumatic brain injuries diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your TBI, including when it occurred, what you were doing when it happened, and your symptoms. 

Next, your provider completes a neurological evaluation. They perform a physical exam and test your hearing, vision, coordination, and balance. They also order blood work and diagnostic imaging, like an MRI, to check for brain bleeding and swelling.

After determining the severity of your TBI, your provider makes personalized treatment recommendations.

How are traumatic brain injuries treated?

Premier Injury Providers treats traumatic brain injuries using an integrative and patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

• Rest and activity modification
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Regular checkups to watch for new or worsening symptoms
• Prescription anti-seizure medications
• Prescription antidepressants
• Prescription stimulants to increase alertness

If you have a severe TBI that damages your skull or causes brain swelling or bleeding, surgery is performed to relieve pressure on your brain and prevent complications. After surgery, you might need to enroll in physical, occupational, or speech therapy to help you manage injury-associated challenges, like difficulty communicating.

How can I reduce my risk of a traumatic brain injury?

There are various things you can do to reduce your risk of a traumatic brain injury. Premier Injury Providers recommends always wearing your seatbelt in the car and protective gear if you cycle or play contact sports. If you have poor balance, always use handrails to reduce the risk of falls. 

Call the nearest Premier Injury Providers office to schedule traumatic brain injury treatment, or book your appointment online today.