Treatments For Traumatic Brain Injury

For individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (or TBI), treatment begins the minute they are in the presence of a medical professional-usually either an EMT worker or an Emergency Room doctor.

While little can be done to reverse any initial damage caused by the injury, medical professionals can work to prevent any further injury to the brain of the affected individual. The most important course of action is to make sure the individual is getting enough oxygen, as oxygen deprivation can result in further brain damage.

Medical personnel will also work to ensure proper blood flow in the individual and to control his or her blood pressure.

Reducing Intracranial Pressure

Intracranial pressure can rise in patients with a traumatic brain injury, and so pressure levels are closely monitored. Possible ways to treat high intracranial pressure include

· straightening or raising the head of the individual to allow greater blood flow

· performing a ventriculostomy-a procedure that drains cerebrospinal fluid from ventricles

· use of a sedative or paralytic agents

· use of hyperventilation, which decreases blood flow to the brain

Seizure Prevention

Seizures are common in individuals who have had a traumatic brain injury. As such, medical professionals will often use benzodiazepines to prevent seizures in TBI patients. However, these medications should be taken with caution as they can potentially depress breathing and dramatically lower blood pressure.

Surgery

If a TBI patient has sustained contusions or hematomas as a result of his or her injury, these masses may need to be removed through surgery. A craniotomy (which is a removal of a portion of the skull) is necessary in approximately one third of patients with a severe traumatic brain injury.

Rehabilitation

Individuals who are in the recovery stages of a traumatic brain injury will usually undergo different types of rehabilitation including

· physical therapy

· occupational therapy

· speech / language therapy

· psychological treatment

· psychiatric treatment

The purpose of any type of rehabilitation is to restore the patient's quality of life to what they experienced prior to their traumatic brain injury as much as possible.

It is possible for individuals displaying prolonged psychiatric or behavioral problems to receive medication to help them return to their previous mental state. However, continuous psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment may be required.

If you would like more information on treatment options for people with traumatic brain injuries, contact the brain injury attorneys of Williams Kherkher today.

Joseph Devine Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine