cure brain damage FAQ

While there is no standard treatment for reversing brain damage, there are a few different therapies that have demonstrated efficacy in a handful of patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses higher-than-atmospheric pressure oxygen to treat disease, has been demonstrated to be effective in helping traumatic brain injury. In one case, it nearly completely reversed the brain injury of a 2-year-old girl who drowned in a swimming pool. Other research has suggested that lifestyle changes and supplements can also be effective in reversing the effects of chronic trauma in football players. In one study, scientists tested the effectiveness of a brain-health protocol that included weight loss, fish oil, and a supplement that included nutrients that enhance blood flow. After six months, the study subjects were found to have improved cognition and cerebral blood flow. Some newer, more experimental treatments are also currently being researched. In one new study, researchers at the University of California experimented with the use of a memory-enhancing drug on mice with brain injury. The researchers found that after four daily doses of the drug, concussed mice were able to perform memory-related tasks as well as their non-concussed counterparts. The drug hasn't been prepared for human trials yet, but researchers are hopeful it could be used to treat TBI in the future. Future research could offer more potential treatment options. For example, some scientists hope to soon test the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals that prevent the growth of hyaluronic acid fragments, which have been identified as a potential "bad actor" that may lead to some of the most severe physical deficiencies associated with brain damage.

All traumatic brain injuries are head injuries. But head injury is not necessarily brain injury. There are two types of brain injury: traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury. Both disrupt the brain’s normal functioning.

When the brain is starved of oxygen for a prolonged period of time, brain damage may occur. Brain damage can occur as a result of a wide range of injuries, illnesses, or conditions. Because of high-risk behaviors, males between ages 15 and 24 are most vulnerable. Young children and the elderly also have a higher risk. Causes of traumatic brain injury include:

Most injuries that cause brain damage are preventable. Here are some rules to follow to reduce the risk of brain damage:

There are numerous symptoms of brain damage, whether traumatic or acquired. They fall into four major categories:

Anyone who has a head or brain injury needs immediate medical attention. A brain injury that seems mild -- referred to as a concussion -- can be as dangerous as clearly severe injuries. The key factor is the extent and location of the damage. Brain injury does not necessarily result in long-term disability or impairment. But the correct diagnosis and treatment is needed to contain or minimize the damage. The extent and effect of brain damage is determined by a neurological exam, neuroimaging testing such as MRI or CT scans, and neuropsychological assessments. Doctors will stabilize the patient to prevent further injury, ensure blood and oxygen are flowing properly to the brain, and ensure that blood pressure is controlled. Almost all patients will benefit from rehabilitation to assist in long-term recovery. That may include:

In general, quick identification and treatment of TBI will provide the best long-term health outcomes. If, after experiencing a blow to the head you begin to experience like headache, slurred speech, vomiting, or confusion about the date or time, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Certain diagnostic methods, like MRI brain scans, can provide your doctor with the best possible information about the severity of your TBI and determine essential prognostic information. This can help ensure you get the treatment you need.