MEDICATION CAN BE USED TO TREAT A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

If you suffer a traumatic brain injury, such as in a motor vehicle accident, you should realize that this can have a big impact on your future. The same holds true if you're caring for a loved one who has suffered this type of injury.

Here's the good thing: There have been many advances in the way traumatic brain injuries are treated.

For example, there are a variety of medications that can be used during the treatment and recovery process. These don't have the ability to magically fix any damage, but they can go a long way in making the person more comfortable and helping prevent additional trouble.
Medication is often used for:

• Pain control. After a traumatic brain injury, it is often necessary to keep the person sedated with medication. Furthermore, these same medications help control any pain.
• Relieve intracranial pressure. For example, hypertonic saline is used to control pressure that has built up in the brain.
• Preventing seizures. One of the primary concerns after a traumatic brain injury is seizures. Since people in this position are more likely to suffer a seizure, they are often administered this type of medication.
• Preventing infection. There is no guaranteed way to prevent infection, but most medical teams will administer antibiotics if there is reason to believe that an infection is present.

In the event of a traumatic brain injury, it's important to understand all available treatment options. This often means the use of medication on a regular basis, combined with other strategies that have been proven effective.

Source: Mayfield Brain & Spine, "Traumatic brain injury - An overview," accessed Dec. 09, 2016