Brain Injury Treatment

Just as brain injuries affect everyone differently, the recovery process is different for everyone, as well.

No two brain injuries are alike.

Normally, treatment begins at the time of the accident or incident. A brain injury is an emergency. Medical personnel try to stabilize the person. They also work to prevent further injury. They make sure oxygen gets to the brain. They also make sure there is enough blood flow. Blood pressure must be controlled.

About half of all severely injured people will need surgery. This may be to remove or repair a hematoma. A hematoma is bleeding in or around the brain. Some people may need a ventriculostomy. This procedure drains fluid from the brain.

After the emergency treatment, people may receive care in an intensive care unit in a hospital. Once they are stable, they may move to the subacute unit of the hospital or to a rehabilitation hospital.

At this point, people follow many paths toward recovery. There are many options for rehabilitation. These can include:

** Day treatment

** Outpatient therapy

** Home health services

** Independent living programs

The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain the most independent level of functioning possible.

The rehabilitation team may include:

** Neurologist

** Physiatrist (physical medicine specialist)

** Physical therapist

** Occupational therapist

** Rehabilitation nurse

** Speech/language pathologist

** Neuropsychologist

** Social worker/case manager