The brain is the center of your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and movements. Injury to the brain can range from a mild concussion to a severe head injury.
Brain injuries are commonly caused by a blow to the head or a fall that shakes the brain and causes bruising, swelling or tearing of soft tissue. With rest, most people fully recover from a mild brain injury. But some people who have had severe or repeated brain injuries may have long-lasting problems with movement, learning or speaking.
It’s important to know the symptoms of brain injury. Tell your primary care physician or emergency personnel if you have experienced a head injury that results in two or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Headache, vision problems or dizziness
- Feeling sad, nervous or easily angered
- Sleeping more or less than usual
If you develop these symptoms at any time after a head injury – even much later – call your doctor.
How are brain injuries diagnosed?
The doctor will ask you questions about the injury. He or she may ask questions that test your ability to pay attention, learn, remember and solve problems. Your doctor will also check for physical signs of a brain injury by checking your reflexes, strength, balance, coordination and sense of touch. The doctor may order imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI to make sure that your brain isn't bruised or bleeding.
What are the treatment options for a brain injury?
Minor head injuries can heal with rest. However, more serious injuries may require comprehensive and intensive care. If your brain has suffered damage, you may need treatment and rehabilitation, perhaps on a long-term basis. This might include:
- Physical and occupational therapy to help you regain the ability to perform daily activities and live independently.
- Speech and language therapy to help you with understanding and producing language, as well as organizing daily tasks and developing problem-solving methods.
- Counseling to help you understand changes in your thinking and learn ways to cope with your feelings. This can help you feel more in control and help get you back to your life's activities.
- Social support and support groups – Participating in a support group gives you the chance to talk with people who are going through the same things you are. Your family or friends may be able to help you get treatment and deal with your symptoms, but they may not understand exactly what you are experiencing.
- Medicines can help relieve symptoms like sleep problems, chronic pain and headaches. Medicines can also help if you have anxiety, depression or memory problems. Talk with your doctor about what medications might be best for you.
For individuals needing complex or comprehensive treatment, Parkview provides a certified brain injury program within Parkview’s inpatient rehabilitation center. Located at Parkview Hospital Randallia, the Parkview Rehabilitation Center features specially trained rehabilitation physicians, nurses and therapists help individuals recover and enjoy life again.
After a traumatic brain injury, treatment can help you maintain control of your emotions, manage long-lasting symptoms and return to everyday activities. Your doctor may provide different types of treatment before finding the one that benefits you the most.
No one will be able to tell you for sure how long symptoms will last. But there are things you can do to help yourself get better.
- Ask another person to stay with you and watch closely to make sure that your symptoms aren’t getting worse. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how long you need someone to stay with you.
- Rest and get plenty of sleep to allow your brain time to heal.
- Don't drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.
- Return to your normal activities gradually.
- Ask your doctor when it's okay for you to drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery.
- Avoid activities that make you feel worse. These may be physically or mentally demanding activities like housework, exercise, schoolwork or video games.
- Ask your doctor which medicines you should and shouldn't take.
- If you feel grumpy or irritable, get away from whatever is bothering you.
How can you help a loved one who's had a traumatic brain injury?
If someone you care about has had a traumatic brain injury, you may feel helpless. It's hard to watch someone who used to be active or happy become inactive, struggle with speech and memory, or suffer from chronic pain. But there are some things you can do to help.
- Help the person get treatment or stay in treatment.
- Encourage and support the person.
- Learn about brain injuries and the long-lasting symptoms that can interrupt life.
- Help the person practice good health habits, such as being active, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol.
- Help the person take it one day at a time, setting small goals on the way to getting better.
- If the person isn't getting better, help him or her follow up with a doctor who specializes in brain injury.
It's possible for long-lasting effects of a brain injury to lead to depression. And depression can lead to suicide. Call 911 or the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or other emergency services if the person plans to harm themselves or others.
Brain Injury Support Group
Many individuals with traumatic brain injuries find it helpful to participate in a support group with others who have had similar experiences. Parkview’s support group for those with brain injuries meets on the first Monday of each month. Search our calendar of events for meeting dates or contact our group facilitator, Kristin.Smith@parkview.com.
Healing from a brain injury? Know when to call your doctor.
Watch closely for changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms get worse. Common symptoms include headaches, trouble concentrating or changes in your mood.
- You have been feeling sad, depressed, or hopeless, or have lost interest in things you usually enjoy.
- You do not get better as expected.
If you have questions about your neurological health or need expert care for a brain injury, the Parkview neurology team can help. Ask your primary care physician if a referral to a neurologist would be appropriate for you.
For more information, call 260-217-4379.
