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Neurosurgery

Highland Hospital / Departments - Centers / Neurosurgery / Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

Nationally Recognized Expertise

The Neurosurgery Department at Highland Hospital provides nationally-recognized medical expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care for patients with traumatic brain injuries. Our team is led by Kevin A. Walter, M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery at Highland Hospital.

Accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment are critical for brain injury patients. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays are often used to diagnose injuries. Treatment may include interventions such as medications and emergency surgery. Physical therapy, speech therapy, recreation therapy, and occupational therapy may be prescribed for rehabilitation.

Conditions We Treat

Intracranial hematoma is a term used to describe several different types of brain injuries that are classified by their location in or around the brain. Some of these injuries involve rapid bleeding that can increase intracranial pressure and cause compression and further damage to the brain tissue. Learn more about the major types of intracranial hematomas in our Health Encyclopedia.

  • Acute subdural hematoma is a rapid collection of blood between the surface of the brain and the dura — a thick layer of tissue between the brain and the skull. Surgical treatment, such as craniectomy, is critical to prevent additional damage to the brain, and to prevent death.
  • Chronic subdural hematoma can occur after a minor head injury and may go unnoticed for days or weeks. In this case, tiny veins between the surface of the brain and its outer covering stretch and tear, allowing blood to collect.
  • Epidural hematoma is rapid collection of blood between the inside of the skull and the dura — a thick layer of tissue between the brain and the skull. Surgical treatment, such as craniectomy, is critical to prevent additional damage to the brain, and to prevent death.
  • Contusions are bruises of the brain that occur when a moving head is abruptly stopped, and the brain collides with the inner surface of the skull.
  • Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is usually caused by shaking of the brain which can happen in sports, car accidents, or falls. The injury disrupts the functioning of brain cells and causes a widespread impairment of brain tissue. Concussion is a mild DAI.

Skull Fracture is a break in one or more of the eight bones that form the skull. This type of injury is usually the result of blunt force trauma. Learn more about the four major types of skull fractures in our Health Encyclopedia.