If you hit your head following a slip and fall accident, you may not show symptoms of a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury for hours or days following the injury. Many patients suffer persistent headaches or headaches that worsen gradually.
According to Mayo Clinic, moderate to severe TBIs require immediate medical attention. If the headaches indicate a brain injury, you may have a long road to recovery ahead of you.
Medication for TBI
Doctors may use medication to keep your brain from suffering any secondary damage. Diuretics can reduce the amount of fluid in your tissues. If you have pressure in your brain, the doctors provide diuretics to reduce the fluid and pressure.
Moderate and severe TBIs can result in seizures. Most doctors will provide anti-seizure drugs for the first week to ensure no additional brain damage occurs. If you do have seizures, you may remain don’t he anti-seizure medications on a more permanent basis.
Rehabilitation for TBI
Following a TBI, you may need to see a rehabilitation nurse. The nurse provides ongoing care and helps you plan if you need to move to a rehabilitation facility. If your injury resulted in a loss of balance or movement, you may require the help of a physical therapist to help you learn to function again.
A doctor trained in rehabilitation oversees your process and will manage your pain medication and ensure you receive adequate care. If you have any cognitive impairments, you may see a neuropsychologist to learn coping mechanisms.
In the case of an emergency, doctors may perform surgery on a patient to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures or stop bleeding in the brain.
