Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Leesburg & Dulles
There are over 200,000 cases of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, every year. Traumatic Brain Injury is a blanket term that is used to cover any blunt, sharp, neurological or chemical trauma to the head that causes impaired brain activity.
Dr. Seth Tuwiner provides comprehensive testing and treatment for traumatic brain injuries at his offices in Leesburg and Dulles, VA. Learn more about your treatment options and call the Virginia Center for Neuroscience today at (703) 293-5244.
Symptoms & Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury is a fairly common injury in sports. The symptoms can range form mild to severe, as most traumatic injuries can.
What MILD Traumatic Brain Injury Looks Like
- After initial trauma, disorientation or loss of consciousness lasts 30 minutes or less
- MRI/CAT scans appear normal
- Mild headaches, memory loss, difficulty thinking
- Mood Swings, frustration
What SEVERE Traumatic Brain Injury Looks Like
- After initial trauma, loss of consciousness is longer than 30 minutes
- Memory loss lasts longer than 24 hours
- Impairment or high-level cognitive function
- Potentially comatose state
- Can't speak properly and may not be able to use extremities correctly or at all
Each case of traumatic brain injury is different. If you believe you or someone near you may have had a brain injury, call 911, as immediate medical attention may be necessary.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries
Most people believe that traumatic brain injuries can only happen from blunt trauma. While common, especially in winter sports, there are a few different categorizations of things that can cause traumatic brain injury..
Open Head Injury
Any penetrative wound, such as a gunshot, can cause traumatic brain injury. Often, there are other medical issues that need to be controlled as well, such as bleeding and swelling, making open head injuries difficult to manage.
Closed Head Injury
Slipping or falling and landing on your head, or collision with your head, may cause a closed head injury. This is the most common type of traumatic brain injury that we see from sports and car accidents.
Deceleration Injuries
This happens when the brain is moved or stopped abruptly and slams the front/back of the skull. This may cause the brain to swell or bleed.
Chemical Trauma
If toxins enter the bloodstream and affect the brain, you may experience traumatic brain injury without impact or penetration.
Loss of Oxygen
When there is not enough oxygen to the brain, neurons in the brain can die. This can result in severe cognitive / memory deficits.
Cancer/Tumors
Cell growth malfunction can cause tumors to grow, pressing against the brain and causing damage to neuron groups. Surgery to remove the tumor may also damage the brain.
Infection
Encephalitis and Meningitis are two common infections that can destroy neurological function.
Stroke
Blocking of blood flow to the brain will cause cell death. This can cause permanent trauma to the brain.
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment in Leesburg & Dulles, VA
Be aware of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury as it could save your life. Seek immediate medical help if you believe someone has had a traumatic brain injury. Time is critical in these situations to avoid serious damage. Contact the office of Dr. Tuwiner at (703) 293-5244 with any questions, concerns, or appointments.