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Brain Trauma Surgery
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What is Brain Trauma Surgery
Falls and car accidents are two of the top causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). When you take a severe blow to the head, your brain hits against the skull. The impact can cause brain damage. Concussions are the most common type of TBI.
A headache is a pain in your head or face that’s often described as a pressure that’s throbbing, constant, sharp or dull. Headaches can differ greatly in regard to pain type, severity, location and frequency.
Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. Mild cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness. Severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
What are the types of Traumatic Brain Surgery?
- Moderate TBI:Â this type of head injury is associated with loss of consciousness for over 30 minutes but less than one day. Confusion can last for up to one week.
- Severe TBI:Â individuals with this type of head injury lose consciousness for over one full day. These injuries are typically associated with changes on head CT or brain MRI.
- Uncomplicated TBI:Â Head CT/brain MRI are normal, regardless of mild, moderate or severe grade.
- Complicated TBI:Â Head CT or brain MRI show changes, such as bleeding.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the severity of the head injury. They may include any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Confusion
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness and balance concerns
- Breathing problems
- Slow pulse
- Slow breathing ratewith an increase in blood pressure
How is a traumatic brain Surgery diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Depending on the severity of the injury and symptoms, you may have:
- Neurological evaluation:Â A neurologist (specialist in the brain) checks your memory, thinking, motor function (balance, reflexes and coordination) and sensory functions (hearing and vision).
- Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI checks for brain bleeding and swelling.
- Blood test: The Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator (BTI) looks for proteins in your blood that indicate concussion or mild TBI.
Prevention
- Be smart behind the wheel: Buckle everyone up with seat belts, and use car seats or booster seats for children. Don’t drive if you’re drowsy or under the influence.
- Put on a helmet:Â Protect your head when you play sports like hockey or football or when you bike, skate, ski or snowboard. And wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle, scooter, ATV or horse.
- Stay active:Â Activities like yoga, tai chi and strength training build muscle and improve balance.