What exactly does the recovery from a neurotrauma look like and what do the long-term outcomes look like for patients? This is a question we are asked on a regular basis in our office. The possible answers to this question are as varied as the causes of the neurotrauma itself.
Thus, it is wise to schedule a consultation so that we can provide answers to your particular set of circumstances. In the meantime, here is some basic information to consider.
Recovery can be a long and challenging road for an individual who struggles with any kind of neurotrauma. However, the brain is capable of incredible things and that includes healing. Plus, on a daily basis, advancements both big and small, in all forms of neuro treatment, are being made by the dedicated physicians and researchers involved in this type of scientific medicine.
What is neurotrauma?
Neurotrauma results from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or in some cases, a spinal cord injury (SCI). Types of neurotrauma include but are not limited to; concussions, skull fractures, hemorrhages, and/or various types of hematomas.
What are the symptoms of neurotrauma?
Symptoms of a TBI do not always appear immediately. Often times, there can be a delay of symptoms since the side effects may only slowly affect the brain. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, discoloration, dizziness, vertigo, headache, nausea, and/or bruising.
How is neurotrauma treated?
Treatment is almost always individualized and extremely specific to the patient as there should be many factors considered when deciding how to treat a specific injury.
Treatment may include medication, regular scans, continuous patient monitoring, and/or various types of therapy.
Keys to a successful recovery
There are a few “keys” to a more successful treatment experience, that if possible, every neurotrauma patient should seek for themselves. These keys include:
#1. Early detection
One of the keys to successful neuro treatment is early detection.
Often, patients experience a minor head injury and it may appear that there have been no ramifications to that injury. However, the brain is a delicate and sensitive organ and it is important (even if a person “feels fine”) that they seek a CT scan after any head injury.
Vertigo, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and more can all relate to a head injury and might not appear until days after the injury.
#2. Working with a skilled team
A neurosurgeon and/or specialist is an expert in the field and may join in the treatment process right away. It is important that when seeking out physical therapists or other providers, that an individual seeks to include people with previous experience in dealing with head injuries. This experience can make a huge difference in treatment, depending on the severity of an injury.
#3. Emotional support is important because recovering is not easy
It is vital to successful recovery and treatment, that a patient feels emotionally supported by those who are close to them. Educating all involved, including family members and close friends, on what to expect and how to help, empowers both them and the patient to be a positive and contributing part of recovery.
In the case of a patient who is lacking in emotional support, counselors and other support options should be explored.
Schedule an appointment
Though neurotrauma can be a challenging and often difficult to recover from, it is important to recognize the power of the brain. Though each patient’s results and progress will look different, we have had great success in helping our patients to recover. For help, schedule a consultation with our office today.