5 Effective Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Do not take traumatic brain injuries lightly, as they could have severe long-term effects if left unattended. Many of these injuries come because of falls or accidents. If you fall or during an accident, the impact of a blow to the head can cause brain damage. The most common type of brain injury is a concussion. Also, other traumatic brain injuries may include a penetrating injury or a gunshot wound.
You also need to understand the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries so that you can get early treatment. The following are the most common traumatic brain injuries symptoms:
- Memory issues
- Convulsions
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
- Slurred speech
- Personality change
- Confusion
When it comes to effective treatment for traumatic brain injuries, the following approaches are worth knowing.
Surgery to Treat Bleeding in the Brain
If your doctor sees that you have bleeding in the brain, the only solution may be surgery. Such type of surgery is called a craniotomy, and it involves opening the skull to deal with the bleeding. It might sound scary to have your head opened to treat the brain, but it is a necessary measure. Our brain is a sensitive part of the body, and any direct internal bleeding could have severe consequences.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is essential when it comes to dealing with brain injuries. It involves a professional working with you on any skills that you have lost because of the damage done to your brain. These include motor functions, communication, and cognitive skills. Your goal should be to return to your normal activities soon. Also, getting back to your original self will allow the brain to heal better and be as effective as the initial period.
Rehabilitation can allow you to heal quickly from the mental and physical challenges caused by traumatic brain injuries. It will also serve as a physical and emotional support source through this challenging experience.
Rehabilitation is crucial as it can also prevent various complications from occurring. These complications include the following:
- Blood clots
- Pneumonia or breathing difficulties
- Drop in blood pressure when you move
- Muscle spasms and weakness
- Bedsores
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Bladder difficulties
If you require rehabilitation, it is best to get it from an organization with up-to-date rehab tools. These can help you recover fast and safely under the care of highly qualified personnel.
Physical Therapy
It might not seem to link to the brain directly, but physical therapy is essential for anyone recovering from a brain injury. The mind and the body always work in correlation, and by introducing physical therapy, you push the brain to heal.
In physical therapy, the therapists can help with muscle and joint functions affected by a traumatic brain injury. It is done by helping you get the appropriate rehab exercises. Re-learning to move free of strains or tension alleviates any stiffness you may feel while performing your daily activities.
Medications
Several medications play a vital role in dealing with traumatic brain injuries. They include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and narcotics. Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling in the brain, reduce pain and fight off infections that may cause complications. It is believed that steroids are also necessary as they reduce swelling and help heal the brain.
Anticonvulsants are other medications that you may be given to alleviate symptoms of seizures and prevent a recurrence. Drugs to help manage pain like narcotics are prescribed to treat severe headaches associated with a traumatic brain injury. These drugs have significant side effects and need to be taken under a proper doctor’s care.
Anti-depressants are also prescribed to help you with the emotional impact of a brain injury. You may be experiencing mood swings, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression due to the physical and mental trauma caused by a traumatic brain injury. Anti-depressants can help with these issues but do not take them without the guidance of a doctor.
Getting Enough Rest
If you get enough rest, it allows the brain to heal properly. Therefore, you should also get as much rest as possible to help heal. The trauma to the brain causes damage, so it is best to monitor any mental and physical limitations you may be facing after traumatic brain injuries.
At the same time, the body needs proper nutrition, and you should eat well to recover from your traumatic brain injury correctly. You will also need to ensure that all your body needs are being met for your recovery to go smoothly.
The Bottom Line
A traumatic brain injury can be hugely detrimental to your health. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek the proper care and attention you need in order to heal and make a full recovery.
