Skip to main content
blog
Neurosurgery

Head Injury: Better Be Safe Than Sorry

Head Injury: Better Be Safe Than Sorry Feb 27, 2015
Head injury or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be defined as any injury occurring to the brain due to trauma or a blow. The most common causes include road accidents, falls and violence. It is estimated that over 1.4 million serious accidents occur in India every year. In India, where drivers have scant regard for their own and other’s life, no one is safe. Pedestrians account for nearly quarter of all accident victims. The most common age group affected is 21-40 years. TBI may be mild or what is called as concussion where the patient is conscious but may be confused or disoriented. These patients may require nothing more than some rest, pain killers, overnight observation or a short stay in the hospital depending on the severity of their symptoms. Even though what may be a small bump, such patients may suffer from what is called a ‘post-concussion syndrome’, where they complain of long-term memory disturbances, irritability, inability to focus, giddiness or even blurring of vision. Patients who are unconscious are the ones who require urgent medical attention. The management of TBI rests on preventing any further damage to the brain than what has already occurred due to the initial trauma. The first hour after any injury is considered as the golden hour during which treatment must ideally start.  Treatment Treatment begins with maintenance of oxygenation and circulation (blood pressure). This can be done by any doctor or paramedical personnel and does not require the need of a specialist. Most patients with head injury are managed conservatively without surgical intervention. Surgery may be done in cases where there is a large clot causing significant pressure, or there is severe swelling of the brain, which cannot be controlled with other means. Most people have a misconception that clots have to be removed, or if we remove the clot the patient will become all right. Sadly, this is not the case because when the clot has formed it has destroyed a part of the brain that will not recover just by removing the clot.Once the acute phase is over, the actual healing stage begins. The patient may show signs of gradual recovery which will continue over the coming weeks and months. During this chronic phase, the patient requires extensive physical and mental rehabilitation. After effects Some patients may show complete recovery but a large number is left with some form of deficit, which may be either in the form of some limb weakness or mental dysfunction. This may prevent them from going back to their previous occupation or may leave them dependent for life.Head injury can be life changing event not only for the patient but for his/her family as well. It disrupts the financial and emotional well-being of even the most balanced family. The old adage, “Prevention is better than cure” holds true especially for TBI.  

Categories

Clear all

Related Blogs

View all
Octagenerian Lady Starts Walking After Extensive Spinal Surgery
Neurosurgery

Octagenerian Lady Starts Walking After Extensive Spinal Surgery

admin Nov 07, 2023
blog
Neurosurgery

Blood Clot In The Brain

Blood Clot In The Brain May 02, 2014
Stroke
Neurosurgery

What Is Acute Brain Stroke

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery May 08, 2023
Traumatic Brain Injury
Neurosurgery

Traumatic Brain Injury: Symptoms, Causes and Management

Dr. G.R. Vijay Kumar May 22, 2023
Brain Tumour
Neurosurgery

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Tumours

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Jun 12, 2023
back ache
Neurosurgery

FAQs on Back Pain

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Jul 19, 2023
Brain Tumour
Neurosurgery

Recent Advancements in Brain Tumour Surgery

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Aug 17, 2023
Spine surgery
Neurosurgery

Myths Related to Spine Surgery

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Aug 17, 2023
brain surgery
Neurosurgery

Is Brain Surgery Safe?

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Sep 28, 2023
neuros
Neurosurgery

Neurosurgical Emergencies At Home – When To Rush To A Hospital?

Dr. Rahul Gupta -Neurosurgery Sep 28, 2023

Quick Enquiry Form

barqut

Keep track of your appointments, get updates & more!

app-store google-play
Request callback