Treatments Your Loved One Might Receive For A Traumatic Brain Injury
Posted on: 14 October 2017
If your family member was in an accident and received a traumatic brain injury, he or she may be in for a long period of recovery. Depending on the severity damage to the brain, your loved one may need to learn how to walk and speak all over again. They'll need to work with brain specialists and get the best care and latest brain condition treatments for the best outcome. Here are some treatments sometimes given to help with this brain condition.
Treatments To Reduce Swelling
Swelling is a natural response to an injury, but when the swelling is inside the skull, it can be dangerous. Since the skull doesn't stretch, the swelling puts pressure on the brain and that can cause further damage. Your loved one may receive medications that reduce swelling. It's also possible the doctor will insert a drain into the skull or even open a window in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain. The danger from swelling occurs shortly after the injury and gradually lessens as healing of the tissues begins.
Medications To Control Seizures
Seizures are a common side effect of a brain injury. Your loved one may be given medication that prevents a seizure from happening since a seizure could be dangerous if your loved one has serious injuries or medical complications. He or she may even be placed into a coma to limit movement and reduce stress on the brain. Medication is given to induce the coma and it can be withdrawn when it is safe to bring your loved one back out. During this time, he or she may be on a ventilator to ensure proper breathing and plentiful oxygenation of brain tissue.
Rehabilitation Treatments
Your loved one will probably need different forms of rehabilitation while in the hospital and after being discharged depending on the severity of the brain injury. Physical therapy is one type of rehab generally needed. It is often started right away in the hospital to slow down muscle loss and loss of flexibility due to being sedentary. Occupational therapy and speech therapy may be needed too depending on the portion of the brain that was damaged. Your loved one may need the help of a neurologist and psychologist for restoring cognitive function.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is often a slow process even if the injury is mild. The brain needs rest and a chance to heal. If the injury is more severe, the brain will need to relearn skills that were lost due to the death or damage of brain tissue. Each person is unique and a treatment plan will be developed based on your loved one's individual needs. Working with an experienced neurologist and medical team can give you peace of mind your loved one is getting the best care and progressing at the proper rate.
Share