Neurotrauma is an injury to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, often causing a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges.
What is neurotrauma?
Neurotrauma refers to any injury to the nervous system, specifically the brain or spinal cord. These injuries can be caused by external forces, such as a blow to the head or a sudden, severe jolt, or by internal factors like a lack of oxygen or a stroke. Often, these injuries are classified by where they occur in the body:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI often results from a blow to the head, a penetrating injury, or a violent jolt. It can range from mild (concussion) to severe brain or skull injury. Learn more about TBI.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI): This is damage to the spinal cord that can result in temporary or permanent back pain and changes in sensation, movement, strength, and other body functions.
- Peripheral nerve injury: This involves damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, which can affect motor function, sensation, or autonomic functions.
Neurotrauma can have a wide range of effects, depending on the location and severity of the injury. These effects can include physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, emotional disturbances, and changes in behavior. To support the many aspects of neurotrauma, AHN is committed to providing our patients with a multidisciplinary care approach. This means supportive and experienced health care professionals with different specialties —neurosugerons, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, and other specialists — are all working together to deliver your care in a streamlined manner. Your customized treatment plan is developed with your whole health taken into consideration.
AHN Neurologic Critical Care Division (including Neuro ICU)
The AHN Neurologic Critical Care Division offers highly specialized, 24/7 care for the most complex neurological conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of neuro-intensivists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and specialized nurses utilizes cutting-edge technology, including advanced neuroimaging and continuous monitoring, to treat severe traumatic brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, status epilepticus, and other critical neurological emergencies.
We are dedicated to providing a patient-centered approach, integrating early rehabilitation and robust family support to optimize recovery and long-term quality of life. As part of a Comprehensive Stroke Center and Level I Trauma Center, AHN provides rapid response and advanced interventional therapies, ensuring the highest level of expertise and innovative treatment for critical neurological patients.
Why choose AHN for your neurotrauma
We are equipped with cutting-edge monitoring and diagnostic technologies. This allows for expert intervention for a wide range of acute conditions, from severe stroke and traumatic brain injury to complex spinal cord injuries and neurological emergencies. Our commitment extends beyond immediate treatment; we prioritize long-term recovery and improved quality of life for neuro traumas and neurological injury. We also provide comprehensive support for patients and their families that focuses on a seamless transition to rehabilitative care.
AHN has the highest level of accredited trauma care at our Level I Trauma Center and within our Comprehensive Trauma System. This level of dedicated and experienced care combined with the advanced technology used by our neurosurgeons provides our patients with a significant difference in treatment options. Patients experience:
- Unmatched neurosurgical expertise and advanced technology: Our team is comprised of leading neurosurgeons who leverage cutting-edge tools and techniques. This includes a dedicated Expert Neuro ICU care team that provides specialized, around-the-clock monitoring and treatment. When possible, minimally invasive procedures, robotics, and advanced critical technology are used to reduce recovery time and improve patient comfort.
- Integrated and collaborative care model: We focus on a holistic approach to patient care. Our system features dedicated trauma teams comprised of specialists from various disciplines who work in concert to provide immediate and comprehensive care. This collaborative environment ensures comprehensive Neuroscience care, addressing all aspects of neurological health from diagnosis through recovery. Patients benefit from a truly seamless continuum of care, meaning they receive coordinated support and smooth transitions across all stages of their treatment.
- Specific conditions and patient-centered care: We are equipped to treat a wide range of conditions, offering specialized care tailored to individual patient needs. Our expertise extends to complex neurological conditions, and we are particularly recognized for our concussion expertise. Our patient-centered approach means we focus on individualized treatment plans and provide comprehensive support to help patients achieve the best possible recovery.
Neurotrauma symptoms and signs
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of neurotrauma, especially immediately after an injury, can be crucial for seeking timely medical attention and reducing long-term health issues. We see patients who experience neurotrauma from:
Mild TBI (concussion) symptoms
Most commonly known as a concussion, a mild TBI can affect people in a variety of different ways. The most common symptoms include:
- Headache: This is often the most common symptom, ranging from mild to severe.
- Dizziness or balance problems: Individuals may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or have difficulty maintaining their balance.
- Confusion or disorientation: This can include feeling foggy, slowed down, or having difficulty concentrating.
- Memory problems: Issues with remembering new information or events immediately before or after the injury.
- Fatigue or drowsiness: Feeling unusually tired or having a general lack of energy.
- Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms may occur, particularly shortly after the injury.
Moderate TBI symptoms
A moderate to severe traumatic brain Injury is a more severe form of head injury than a concussion. It typically involves a loss of consciousness lasting from 30 minutes to 24 hours, or an alteration of mental state (confusion, disorientation) for more than 24 hours. Imaging scans (like CT or MRI) may or may not show abnormalities. Symptoms often include:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness: A defining characteristic, typically lasting between 30 minutes and 24 hours.
- Persistent headache: Often more severe and lasting longer than those experienced with a mild TBI.
- Significant cognitive impairment: More pronounced difficulties with memory (short-term and long-term), attention, concentration, and problem-solving, making daily tasks challenging.
- Persistent dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems: These can be more severe and debilitating, impacting mobility and increasing the risk of falls.
- Nausea and vomiting: Often more persistent and severe compared to mild TBI.
- Speech and language difficulties: Such as slurred speech (dysarthria) or difficulty finding words (aphasia).
Severe TBI Symptoms
This is the most critical and life-threatening form of head injury. It is characterized by a loss of consciousness lasting more than 24 hours. Severe TBIs almost always involve significant brain damage that is visible on imaging scans. While some symptoms may appear similar to a moderate TBI, the key difference lies in their severity, duration, and the profound impact on brain function. The symptoms of a severe TBI are often more profound, pervasive, and lead to significant, long-term functional impairments:
- Prolonged coma or unresponsiveness: This is the hallmark of a severe TBI. The individual is in a deep state of unconsciousness, unable to respond to their environment.
- Profound and widespread cognitive impairment: This goes beyond memory or attention issues and can include:
- Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA): A period of confusion and inability to remember day-to-day events that can last for weeks or months.
- Significant deficits in executive functions: Severe problems with planning, organizing, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.
- Severe memory loss: Both short-term and long-term memory can be significantly compromised.
TBI symptoms in children
Recognizing traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can be tricky because they might not be able to describe how they feel. Watch for these common signs after a head injury:
- Changes in mood or behavior: The child might become unusually irritable, sad, anxious, or have temper tantrums.
- Headaches: They might complain of a headache, or you might notice them holding their head.
- Changes in sleep patterns: This could be sleeping more than usual or having trouble falling asleep.
- Balance problems or dizziness: They might seem clumsy, unsteady when walking, or complain of feeling dizzy.
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention: School performance might drop, or they struggle with tasks they used to do easily.
- Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to their stomach or throwing up after the injury.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) symptoms and signs
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can affect how your body works below the injury site. The symptoms can appear right away or develop over time. It's crucial to seek medical help if you notice any of these signs:
- Loss of movement (paralysis): Inability to move parts of your body, or weakness in your arms or legs.
- Loss of sensation: Not being able to feel heat, cold, or touch in certain areas of your body.
- Changes in bowel or bladder control: Difficulty controlling when you go to the bathroom.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations: Unusual feelings in your limbs, hands, or feet.
- Difficulty breathing: If the injury is high up in the neck, it can affect your ability to breathe deeply.
- Severe back pain or pressure: Intense back pain or discomfort in your neck or back.
Neurotrauma causes and risks factors
Both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) can result from sudden, forceful impacts to the head or spine. Understanding what causes these injuries and the factors that increase your risk can help in prevention.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) causes
Many of the same types of events can lead to both head and spinal cord injuries. These injuries happen when a strong force hits the head or back, or when the head or body is violently shaken. Common causes include:
- Falls: Falling from a height, slipping, or tripping, especially among older adults and young children.
- Vehicle-related collisions: Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.
- Violence: Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, or child abuse.
- Sports and recreational injuries: High-impact sports, diving accidents, or horseback riding.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) medical condition causes
Sometimes, certain health conditions can weaken your spine or directly damage your spinal cord, making it more likely for an injury to occur, or even causing a spinal cord injury (SCI) without a direct impact. These conditions can make the spine more vulnerable:
- Cancer: Tumors growing on or near the spinal cord can press on it.
- Arthritis: Severe arthritis, especially in the neck, can narrow the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord.
- Osteoporosis: This condition makes bones weak and brittle, increasing the risk of spinal fractures that can damage the spinal cord.
- Inflammation: Swelling of the spinal cord itself, like in conditions such as transverse myelitis.
Risk factors for neurotrauma
Certain factors can increase the chances of experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a spinal cord injury (SCI). Understanding these can help individuals and families take steps to reduce their risk. These factors can be related to who we are, our daily habits, or our past experiences.
Demographic factors
Some groups of people face a higher risk of neurotrauma due to their age or gender.
- Children: Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to head injuries from falls and child abuse.
- Young adults: Individuals between 15 and 24 years old often have higher rates of TBI and SCI due to riskier behaviors like sports and motor vehicle accidents.
- Older adults: People over 65 are at increased risk, mainly from falls, which can lead to severe head and spinal injuries.
- Gender: Males tend to have a higher incidence of TBI and SCI across most age groups, often due to participation in contact sports, risky behaviors, and certain types of work.
Behavioral and lifestyle factors
Daily choices and habits can significantly impact our risk of neurotrauma. Reducing these risk factors can reduce your risk of neurotrauma:
- Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents like falls, car crashes, and other traumatic events.
- Unsafe motor vehicle practices: Not wearing a seatbelt, driving distracted (e.g., texting), speeding, or riding a motorcycle without a helmet all greatly raise the risk of severe injuries in accidents.
- Unsafe contact sports practices: Participating in sports without proper protective gear, not following safety rules, or playing while already injured can lead to concussions and spinal injuries.
Historical and activity-related factors
Past experiences and involvement in certain activities can also elevate the risk of neurotrauma.
- Previous neurotrauma: Having a past traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially repeat concussions, can make someone more susceptible to future injuries and can also worsen long-term outcomes.
- High-risk sports: Activities like football, rugby, boxing, hockey, skateboarding, and diving carry an inherently higher risk of head and spinal injuries due to their physical nature.
- Military combat: Service members in combat zones face risks from explosions (blasts), falls, vehicle accidents, and gunshot wounds, all of which can cause TBI and SCI.
Neurotrauma screening and diagnosis
When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs, getting an accurate and timely diagnosis is critical. At AHN, our team provides rapid and expert initial assessment to quickly understand the extent of the injury. We leverage AHN’s state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to get a clear picture of what's happening inside the body:
- X-rays: Basic X-rays are often the first step to check for broken bones in the skull or spine, providing quick views of bone structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This advanced imaging uses strong magnets and radio waves to create very detailed pictures of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues, helping us find even subtle injuries.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans: CT scans use X-rays from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body. These are particularly useful for quickly spotting bone fractures, bleeding in the brain, or swelling right after an injury.
- Specialized spinal imaging: Beyond general MRIs and CTs, we use specific imaging techniques tailored to thoroughly evaluate the spine, helping us pinpoint injuries to the spinal cord, vertebrae, and surrounding structures that are critical for spinal conditions.
Beyond initial scans, AHN's commitment to advanced care extends further. Our Neurologic Critical Care Division, including our specialized Neuro ICU, offers comprehensive services for complex cases. This includes sophisticated concussion diagnosis for those with head injuries and advanced neuromonitoring to guide surgical teams with incredible precision, which is especially vital for delicate spinal cord injury (SCI) surgeries.
Types and stages of neurotrauma
Understanding the different kinds of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI), as well as the stages of recovery, is key to providing the most effective care. At AHN, we address the full spectrum of these complex conditions.
Types of traumatic brain Injury (TBI)
At AHN, we are equipped to treat all types of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from concussions to the most severe, life-threatening injuries. Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure comprehensive care for every patient experiencing:
- Concussion: Also known as a mild TBI, it’s caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull, temporarily affecting normal brain function. Learn more about concussions.
- Hematoma: This refers to a collection of blood that forms within or around the brain, often caused by torn blood vessels, which can put dangerous pressure on the brain.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): A DAI is a type of injury occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, causing widespread tearing and stretching of the nerve fibers (axons), which are critical for brain communication.
- Skull fractures: This is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the skull, which can occur with or without damage to the brain itself.
Types of spinal cord injury (SCI)
AHN provides comprehensive care for all types of spinal cord injuries (SCI), focusing on both immediate treatment and long-term recovery to help patients regain as much function as possible.
- Vertebral fractures/dislocations: This involves breaks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or when one vertebra slips out of place relative to another, which can compress or damage the spinal cord.
- Spinal cord contusion: This is essentially a bruise to the spinal cord, causing swelling and bleeding within the cord itself, which can disrupt its ability to send and receive signals.
- Herniated discs (traumatic): A traumatic event can cause the soft cushions between the vertebrae (discs) to bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- Spinal stenosis: While often a chronic condition, an injury can worsen or accelerate the narrowing of the spinal canal, which then puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Stages and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Navigating the journey of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves several stages, each requiring specialized care. AHN is uniquely prepared to support patients at every step. Our Level I and Level II Trauma Centers provide 24/7 neurosurgical coverage and state-of-the-art emergency care for rapid stabilization right after an injury. Beyond the initial crisis, AHN offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated Concussion Center for lingering symptoms, pain management specialists, and a holistic approach to long-term recovery.
- Acute stage (initial injury and immediately after): This is the critical period right after the injury, focusing on saving lives and preventing further damage. Our emergency teams work quickly to stabilize the patient, assess the injury using advanced imaging like CT scans and MRI, and perform immediate surgery if needed to control bleeding, reduce swelling, or relieve dangerous pressure on the brain.
- Subacute stage (post-stabilization and early recovery): Once stable, the focus shifts to careful monitoring for any new issues and managing potential secondary injuries, such as ongoing swelling or infections. During this stage, which can last weeks to months, we also begin early rehabilitation efforts to gently start the recovery process.
- Chronic stage (long-term recovery and management): This phase is about ongoing healing, regaining function, and learning to manage any lasting effects of the injury. It involves continued specialized therapies (physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive), long-term symptom management, psychological support, and helping patients adapt to any new challenges. This stage can extend for months, years, or even indefinitely.
Neurotrauma treatment
Treating neurotrauma — which includes both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) — involves a wide range of specific medical, surgical, and therapeutic interventions. Our goal at AHN is to address the immediate injury, manage symptoms, and support each patient through their recovery journey.
Pain management medical treatment
Pain is a common and often challenging symptom after a neurotrauma. Our specialists use various medications to help manage discomfort and improve quality of life.
- Anticonvulsants: These medications are used to prevent seizures, which can sometimes occur after a TBI, and can also help relieve certain types of nerve pain.
- Anti-spasticity medications: These drugs help relax muscles that have become stiff or tight (a condition called spasticity), which is common after SCI or severe TBI.
- Analgesics: This is a broad category of pain relievers, ranging from over-the-counter options to prescription medications, chosen based on the type and severity of the patient's pain.
- Antidepressants: Often, these medications are used to treat depression, which can be a consequence of neurotrauma, but some types can also be very effective in managing chronic nerve pain.
- Anti-seizure medications: Similar to anticonvulsants, these are specifically prescribed to control or prevent epileptic seizures that can develop after brain injuries.
Surgical procedures
For many neurotrauma patients, surgery is a vital step in treatment. Our neurosurgeons employ advanced techniques, from complex brain operations to delicate spine procedures, to repair damage and reduce pressure.
- Minimally invasive neurosurgery: These techniques use smaller incisions and specialized tools to perform surgery with less disruption to surrounding tissues, often leading to faster recovery. This approach is frequently used in minimally invasive spine surgery.
- Complex intracranial surgery: These are intricate operations performed inside the skull to address severe brain injuries, such as removing blood clots, repairing damaged blood vessels, or relieving pressure.
- Spine and back surgery: These procedures are performed on the spinal column to stabilize fractures, remove bone fragments, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, or fuse vertebrae after an injury, often referred to as spine and back surgery. Learn more about spine and back surgery.
- Neuroendoscopy: This technique uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) to access areas of the brain or spine through small openings, allowing for less invasive diagnosis and treatment, particularly in brain injury cases. Learn more about neuroendoscopy.
Therapies and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of recovery from neurotrauma, helping patients regain function and adapt to changes. AHN offers a wide range of therapies tailored to individual needs.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation: This comprehensive program focuses on restoring cognitive, physical, and emotional functions affected by a TBI, helping patients relearn daily skills and manage symptoms. Learn more about TBI rehabilitation.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps patients improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility through targeted exercises and movements, aiming to restore physical function. Learn more about physical therapy.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy helps individuals regain the skills needed for daily living and work tasks, such as dressing, eating, bathing, and performing job-related activities. Learn more about occupational therapy
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy addresses difficulties with communication, swallowing, and cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving that can arise after a brain injury or SCI. Learn more about speech therapy.
- Neuropsychology: Neuropsychologists assess cognitive functions (like memory, attention, and executive functions) and provide strategies, support, and therapy to help patients manage cognitive and behavioral changes.
- Neurologic critical care division (including Neuro ICU): Our specialized Neurologic Critical Care Division (including Neuro ICU) provides highly specialized care for the most critically ill neurotrauma patients, offering continuous monitoring and intervention.
- Comprehensive concussion care: This dedicated program offers specialized diagnosis, treatment, and management for individuals experiencing a concussion, including addressing lingering symptoms and guiding safe return to activities.
- Spasticity care: For patients experiencing spasticity (severe muscle stiffness), this specialized care focuses on reducing muscle tone, improving movement, and alleviating discomfort through medications, injections, and therapies.
Neurotrauma FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about neurotrauma, including both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), to help you better understand these complex conditions.
How do you diagnose neurotrauma?
Diagnosing neurotrauma involves a thorough examination and advanced imaging. After a medical team quickly assesses your condition, they use tools like CT scans to check for immediate issues like bleeding or fractures, and MRI scans for more detailed views of the brain, spinal cord, and soft tissues. X-rays can also be used to check for bone injuries. These diagnostic tools help doctors understand the specific type and extent of the injury.
What causes neurotrauma?
Neurotrauma is primarily caused by a sudden, forceful impact or violent movement to the head or spine. Common causes include falls (especially in children and older adults), vehicle accidents (cars, motorcycles, bicycles), acts of violence (like assaults or gunshot wounds), and sports-related injuries (such as impacts in contact sports or diving accidents). Sometimes, certain medical conditions that weaken the spine can also make it more vulnerable to injury.
Contact us
Call 412-359-6200 to request an appointment with Neurosurgery or to learn more about AHN Neuroscience services.