Specialized treatment for mild to severe brain injuries

The brain is complex and so are injuries to it. Not only can brain injuries happen as a result of external forces like falls, car accidents or sports injuries, but they can also be caused by certain infections, pressure from brain tumors and other issues in the brain itself. The physical, sensory and cognitive symptoms of a brain injury can vary too, depending on its location within the brain and the severity of the injury.

We provide comprehensive care for all types of brain injuries. Our expert team of neurological care providers, which includes physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors, neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists, as well as physical and occupational therapists, can help you with everything from emergency care for traumatic injuries to concussion care and rehabilitation for injury-related symptoms. We will work with you every step of the way to minimize the impact of a brain injury on your life.

If you or someone you care for has hit their head and is experiencing symptoms such as a worsening headache, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or changes in perception, call 911 or go to a hospital for emergency care.

A brain injury happens when the brain’s normal function is altered. Brain injuries caused by external forces, such as a sudden stop or an impact against a hard object or surface, are referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Brain injuries caused by internal factors like infections or pressure from a brain tumor are referred to as nontraumatic brain injuries. Some brain injuries, like concussions, are mild and can be treated conservatively, while others can be severe enough to require more intensive treatment.

No two brain injuries are the same. A brain injury may affect one or multiple parts of the brain in varying degrees, which can result in a wide range of changes in your behavior, physical health and your ability to accomplish the activities of daily living (ADLs). Some changes show up right away, while others may not become apparent until you are in recovery.

It’s important to seek care if you’ve experienced an injury or accident that could have affected your brain, and are noticing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Brief loss of consciousness (no longer than a few minutes)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Headache
• Memory or concentration issues
• Mood changes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ringing ears
• Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
• Speech issues
• Sleep issues

One of the first things that care providers want to know about a suspected brain injury is the details. They will ask how it happened, where and how strong the impact was, and what the immediate symptoms were. They’ll also evaluate the severity of the injury by assessing how well you’re able to move your eyes and limbs on command, checking for dizziness and balance, and monitoring how well you’re able to speak. Imaging tests also help evaluate changes in the brain.

Brain injuries are treated according to their type and severity, and by what symptoms persist after initial treatment.

Emergency treatment for brain injuries focuses on stabilizing the injured person’s condition, preventing additional brain damage and treating any additional injuries.

Most mild brain injuries like concussions resolve very well with conservative treatments, such as using medications to manage symptoms like headaches and nausea. Follow-up appointments and other forms of monitoring are still important to provide guidance and support as you return to work, school, sports and other activities.

If a brain injury is being caused by certain medical conditions, such as an infection, organ failure or brain tumor, the initial treatment will focus on treating that condition. The exact treatment will depend on the cause.

To help you get back to doing what you want to do the way you want to do it, your care team may transfer or refer you to rehabilitative care after your initial treatment. The services you’ll need will be tailored to your specific case. If you have continued issues with coordination, balance, dizziness or muscle control, for example, you may be referred to a physical therapist. Other examples include occupational therapy for sensory issues like light sensitivity or vision changes, speech therapy for communication or language issues, and cognitive rehabilitation therapy for mental processing or memory issues.