Brain Injury and Concussion

If you have a brain injury, your treatment options will vary based on your specific type of injury, where it’s located within your brain and how severe it is.

For example, if you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may need surgery to relieve pressure on your brain. This treatment involves drilling a small hole in the skull to drain blood and relieve pressure. Some people with TBI may also need surgery to remove a specific type of blood clot that forms on the surface of the brain, called a subdural hematoma.

If you have symptoms of a stroke, our team will work with Baptist Health neuroradiologists to make a quick diagnosis and deliver treatment as soon as possible. Treatments for stroke include clot-busting medications, such as a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We also work closely with physicians at Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care to deliver the latest endovascular treatments for removing blood clots or plaque from inside arteries.

Neurorehabilitation is another common treatment for brain injury. It may be used alongside surgery or on its own. Neurorehabilitation can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and neuropsychology services. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need to stay in inpatient rehabilitation for several days or weeks before moving to an outpatient rehabilitation program.

If you have concussion symptoms, our team will perform a complete evaluation. Treatments often include rest and pain medicine, if needed.

We will also refer you to our concussion specialists. This program is led by a team that will help you recover and return to normal activities. Our concussion rehabilitation therapists and neuropsychological specialists will collaborate with your doctor to evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy

Our concussion program also includes certified physical therapists trained in treating balance issues.