Nearly a million people suffer brain injuries serious enough to require hospitalization, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports. Accidents, a common cause of brain injury, can lead to irreversible brain damage, but many mild injuries heal may heal on their own. Treatment for brain injuries depends on the type of injury but often, treatments are aimed at reducing swelling or pressure within the brain, MayoClinic.com explains.
Medications
Medications are often used to reduce swelling or decrease pressure in the brain. Mannitol, a commonly used diuretic for brain injuries, is given intravenously to increase urine output and reduce fluid inside the tissues. Anti-seizure medications prevent seizures in the first few weeks after a brain injury, when seizures can further damage the already damaged brain Healthcommunities.com states. Medications such as barbiturates to induce an artificial coma, a deep sleep state, can help a damaged brain heal by reducing the amount of oxygen needed, the Brain Injury Resource Center notes.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring, or ICP, is essential to prevent the pressure inside the skull and brain from rising too high and putting pressure on parts of the brain. Compression reduces blood flow to the brain and can worsen brain injury. A probe inserted into the brain continually monitors the pressure, the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NINDS states. Fluid restriction as well as medication helps reduce brain swelling, and elevating the head of the bed helps fluid drain from the brain. Increased ICP can slow or retard full recovery after brain injury.
Surgery
High intracranial pressure may require placement of a shunt to drain fluid. Around half of patients with severe head injury need surgery to remove clots called hematomas from the brain, NINDS reports. Part of the skull may be removed or opened to reduce pressure inside the skull if ICP rises and conservative medications don't adequately reduce the swelling. Small holes, called burr holes, may also be drilled into the skull to reduce pressure.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after brain injury starts the day an injury occurs. A multi-disciplinary team of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, neurologists and more need to plan and work out a patient's care together to achieve optimal and maximum recovery after brain injury.
