How do doctors treat traumatic brain injuries?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to changes in the brain after a person experiences a head injury. In some cases, these changes are minor and temporary. In others, they have lasting, and sometimes debilitating, effects.

That is why medical treatment is so crucial. The following are a few points to consider if you or a loved one has experienced TBI.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries

TBI can cause slurred speech, confusion, persistent headaches, problems with coordination, memory loss, and dizziness. Regardless of the severity of TBI, patients must undergo an assessment with a medical doctor as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage. As for severe injuries, you must seek emergency medical attention immediately to mitigate worsening effects.

Types of treatments available

After the assessment, your doctor will recommend one or more forms of treatment. In addition to medication and surgery, rehabilitation is another common way to treat TBI. Rehab can take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the severity of the injuries. It can include a wide range of different treatments, including physical and occupational therapy, speech and language support, psychological treatment, and many others.

Rehab can last for a few weeks or months, or it can last for the duration of the patient’s life. The goal of rehab is to restore your abilities, or help you acclimate to a new way of living if you need assistance with mobility and other tasks. Accordingly, it will last as long as your medical team believes it continues to offer benefits.

While TBI can have some serious effects, the right support can have a major impact on a person’s recovery. Along with medical support, patients must also have the support of loved ones as they progress towards their recovery goals.