4-21-09

Brain Injuries

Injuries are the leading cause of death in Americans up to the age of 34.  Of all injuries, those to the brain are most likely to result in death or permanent disability.

About 1.5 million individuals sought treatment at hospital emergency departments last year as a result of brain injuries.  This type of injury can affect anyone, but a high percentage of brain injuries are the result of sports and vehicle accidents.  Dr. Dennis Mollman, associate professor and chair of the neurosurgery division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains brain injuries.

SOUND BITE: “Traumatic brain injury is a very large spectrum of injuries going from a minor bump on the head without loss of consciousness to major injuries we see in motor vehicle accidents where the patient is comatose for weeks or months or sometimes permanently.  And it’s related to basically a bruise or contusion on the brain.”

Dr. Mollman says individuals with even minor head injuries may experience headaches, lack of concentration, dizziness and nausea.  More serious injuries include paralysis or being in a coma.  He explains some treatment options.

SOUND BITE:  “It varies.  If we are talking minor injuries, it’s usually analgesics – Ibuprofen, Tylenol.  If it’s a more significant injury, we may use steroids and things for the bruising.  And it is systematic treatment.  If you’re nauseated, we use some things for nausea.  It varies.  For severe injuries, it’s very aggressive.  There’s all sorts of intensive care things that go on for severe brain injuries.”

Dr. Mollman says surgery may be required for very severe brain injuries.  He recommends that anyone who may have a brain injury should see their personal physician or go to a hospital emergency department immediately.  He says helmets should always be worn when riding a bicycle or all-terrain vehicle as well as other sports activities to protect individuals  from head injuries.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.