Generally, a traumatic brain injury requires immediate medical attention to minimize damage, provide medical stability and improve the likelihood of survival.
Upon presenting at a hospital with a potential traumatic brain injury, your medical team will take steps to stabilize your condition, such as ensuring that you’re getting enough oxygen and that your blood pressure is in the normal range.
From there, they’ll run a variety of tests to better understand the type of traumatic brain injury you’re dealing with, as this provides a better idea of the treatment you need.
While emergency treatment doesn’t always include surgery, there are many times when it’s necessary:
- To repair a fracture: For example, a broken skull has the potential to cause serious damage to brain tissue. Without immediate removal of the fragments, there could be a greater chance of additional harm.
- To remove a blood clot: Bleeding on the brain is a common symptom of a traumatic brain injury, with this having the potential to result in a blood clot. This can damage brain tissue while also putting unnecessary pressure on the brain.
- To relieve pressure: Regardless of the cause, a surgical procedure may be necessary to relieve pressure, such as by draining excess fluid.
What about medication?
While you can’t treat a traumatic brain injury with medication alone, there are some types that can help reduce symptoms. These include but are not limited to:
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
- Anticoagulants
- Stimulants
- Anti-anxiety
It’s your hope that the appropriate emergency treatment following a traumatic brain injury will stabilize your health and allow you to make a full recovery with time.
At some point, your doctor may suggest many different types of therapies to help improve your condition. These can include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychological therapy
- Speech therapy
- Cognitive therapy
It’s not easy to do immediately after a traumatic brain injury, but as time allows you should learn more about the circumstances surrounding your accident. For example, if a driver struck you on your bike, you may be able to hold them responsible for their actions, which can result in receiving compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and more.