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NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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How is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Diagnosing traumatic brain injuries begins with a neurological examination by your doctor. They will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing  and how the injury occurred. The doctor will advise which tests will be done to establish the severity of the brain injury.

  • Neurological examination - A neurologist will perform several tests called neurocognitive tests. First, they will check your memory and thinking functions. Then a motor function test is done to check your balance, reflexes, and coordination. Finally, a sensory function test will be performed on your hearing and vision.
  • Glasgow Coma Scale - This test is a common test used to assess coma or impaired consciousness. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to test the most serious TBI patient's ability to open their eyes, move, and respond verbally.
  • Imaging tests - A CT scan or MRI will be done. These tests allow the neurologists to view potential bleeding on the brain or swelling of the brain tissue. While CTs and MRIs can detect brain bleeds or swelling, they cannot identify all TBIs.
  • Blood tests - A specialized blood test will be performed, called The Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator (BTI), which examines the blood for proteins that could indicate a concussion or other traumatic brain injury

How are Traumatic Brain Injuries Treated?

Treatments

Traumatic brain injury treatments involve lessening the symptoms to improve a person's quality of life. It could take months or years before severe brain injuries show significant improvement.

  • Rest - TBI treatment depends on the injury's severity and the brain damage. Moderate traumatic brain injuries may be treated with a few weeks of rest. In milder TBIs, people may find it difficult to return to normal activities if they rest too long. Conversely, people with more severe TBIs who return to their normal activities too soon could worsen their condition.
  • Surgery - In more serious cases of TBI, further rehabilitation may be needed. In brain bleeds (intracranial hemorrhage), surgery may be required to correct the bleed
  • Counseling - Some patients require counseling for emotional support while recovering from a TBI. It is difficult for patients to adjust to their new way of life if they can no longer work or participate in activities as they did in the past.
  • Rehabilitation - Patients may benefit when partaking in rehabilitation with regard to their physical, occupational, and speech therapies
  • Medication:
    • Sometimes patients are given diuretics to reduce fluid retention in their brain
    • Anti-seizure drugs may be prescribed to prevent future brain damage from occurring
    • Coma-inducing drugs could be introduced to reduce the pressure on the blood vessels in the brain, allowing an increase in the flow of oxygen
    • Anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medicationcan alleviate some of the depression and mood swings associated with some TBIs
    • Patients who experience symptoms of chronic fatigue may be prescribed stimulants to increase their attention and awareness

Clinical trial research is conducted for patients who are suffering from TBI and are interested in becoming part of the clinical trials.

FAQs

FAQs

A concussion falls under the category as mild traumatic brain injury. Movements such as extreme blows or bumps that cause the brain to be jostled in your skull can cause a concussion.

You should see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you suspect a TBI has taken place. Time is crucial when dealing with brain bleeds or other brain injuries to contain the damage and prevent further brain damage.

Contact your doctor or bring the person to an emergency room to assess whether a TBI has taken place.

Yes. People may have experienced a TBI without realizing the severity of their injury. They may complain about having a poor memory, trouble learning, and behavioral changes, such as increased feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian has expert neurological specialists and rehabilitation services conveniently located throughout the metropolitan New York area. If you are experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, contact your doctor immediately or visit the emergency room. Understanding the causes and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries could make a tremendous difference in your prognosis.

NewYork-Presbyterian is leading the way with clinical trials and research to improve a patient's recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Innovative procedures are available at NewYork-Presbyterian to treat TBI and many other neurological disorders.