Being diagnosed with a brain injury can have a dramatic impact on your life as well as the lives of your loved ones. There are a lot of different treatments you can get at concussion clinics which can work together to aid you in your recovery. As technology develops, so will these treatments. Let’s take a look at what is on offer now, and what may be coming for future generations.
What are brain injuries?
There are two types of brain injuries – traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and non-traumatic acquired brain injuries (ABIs). It is estimated that over 1 million people are living with the effects of a brain injury in the UK.
Conditions such as concussion, skull fractures and haematomas are all considered to be brain injuries. These conditions can have a vast range of symptoms and resulting complications. As such, they have a big impact on a patient’s life.
You may suffer from impaired motor functions such as balance, coordination or even movement. This can be due to numbness in part of your body, or nerve damage resulting from your brain injury. There are also psychological effects, such as memory loss, mood issues and mental health disorders.
If you have suffered a brain injury as a result of negligence, you may be able to start looking into brain injury claims. You may be able to get some compensation to help with your rehabilitation costs.
Current treatments
If your brain injury is considered to be mild, your treatment will likely consist of over-the-counter pain medication and a period of rest. You should always keep someone with you for the first 24 hours after an injury to make sure nothing worsens.
If your injury is more serious you may require surgery to repair fractures or open a window in the skull to relieve pressure from brain swelling. This will result in a more extensive recovery plan.
You should see a therapist even if your doctor doesn’t refer you to one. They will be able to keep a check on your mental health as you go through your recovery journey. You may also require the services of a physiotherapist to help you relearn movements such as walking, balancing and other movement patterns.
This is all in conjunction with regular tests and scans such as CT and MRI scans to get a picture of how your brain is looking as your treatment progresses. These imaging studies provide valuable information to healthcare providers, guiding adjustments to the treatment plan as needed and ensuring optimal outcomes for the patient’s recovery journey.
Concussion clinics offer specialized care tailored to individuals recovering from brain injuries. These clinics provide comprehensive evaluations, management strategies, and rehabilitation programs specifically designed to address the unique challenges associated with concussive injuries. Accessing care from a concussion clinic can significantly enhance the recovery process and optimize long-term outcomes for individuals with concussions.
Future treatments
There has been research into the use of brain biopsies in brain injury sufferers. By undergoing a brain biopsy shortly after the injury occurs, neurologists are able to analyse the samples using immunohistochemistry.
Immunohistochemistry analysis was able to show cellular and biomolecular changes that were previously unknown. Researchers were then able to score the injury on a newly devised scale. This helps clinicians to decide whether riskier treatment plans will be beneficial.
Whilst this isn’t available yet, there is more research and investigation being done which could make it beneficial to brain injury patients worldwide.
Stem cell therapy holds the potential for repairing damaged brain tissue, while neuroprotective drugs aim to minimize secondary damage. Gene therapy, neurostimulation techniques, biomaterials and tissue engineering, exosome therapy, and virtual reality rehabilitation are also being explored for their ability to promote neuroregeneration, modulate inflammatory responses, and enhance functional recovery.
Collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners are essential to advance these innovative therapies from the laboratory to clinical practice. Finding a therapist starts by asking for help from your support system.
Conclusion
The importance of advancements in technology for the treatment of brain injuries cannot be overstated. These advancements offer a multitude of benefits for patients, including improved outcomes, enhanced recovery, and better quality of life. Furthermore, ongoing research and collaboration in this field drive continuous progress, promising even more effective and efficient treatments in the future.