Closed Head Injuries

Comprehensive Care for Traumatic Brain Injuries

At Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers we take brain injuries seriously. Our brains are very fragile and vulnerable to all sorts of injury. Any injury to the brain from an external source is called a traumatic brain injury. There are two types of brain injury: penetrating and closed head. A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object, such as a bullet, enters the brain and causes damage in one area. A closed head injury occurs when there is an external blow to the head.

Mild traumatic brain injury is defined as the result of the forceful motion of the head or impact causing a brief change in mental status or loss of consciousness (less than 30 minutes).

Closed head injuries can occur from:

• Any blow to the head
• Falls
• Workplace accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports-related injuries
• Many other circumstances

Brain injuries can result in bruised brain tissue, bleeding within the brain, large or small lacerations within the brain, and nerve damage due to shearing forces. The brain can also experience secondary types of damage such as swelling, fever, seizures, or chemical imbalances within the brain. About 15% of people with mild brain injury have symptoms that last one year or more.

Mild traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as a concussion, is the most prevalent type of brain injury. In a mild brain injury, loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. However, there does not have to be loss of consciousness for a concussion to occur. MRI and CT scans of the brain are often ordered to help evaluate the injury.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Headaches
• Memory and concentration problems
• Dizziness
• Mood swings
• Visual disturbances
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of balance

These post-injury symptoms are often referred to as post-concussive syndrome. With the proper care and treatment, we can help relieve your symptoms and get you back to work, sports, and daily activities.

Treatments for Closed Head Injuries

• Cognitive rest
• Balance activities with rehabilitation therapists
• Treatment for post-traumatic headaches
• Referral for vestibular retraining for headaches
• Referral for cognitive retraining with a speech therapist
• Evaluation for medications, if needed
• Referral for counseling
• Direct gradual return to work, school, athletic activities

Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers are located throughout the state in Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna, and Dover. For more information and to make an appointment, please call the location nearest you or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.