Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist
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Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC
Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM
Board Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Physician located in Hendersonville, NC serving Asheville, Brevard, Columbus, Weaverville, Morganton, NC and Upstate SC.
Every year, about 1.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). No matter the cause of your traumatic brain injury, it’s essential to seek medical care right away. At Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, board-certified neurologist Aneeta Gupta, MD, DM, works with people of all ages to develop custom traumatic brain injury treatment plans. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.
Traumatic Brain Injury Q&A
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs as a result of a sudden blow or impact to your head or body. Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity. Some cause fractures to the skull, torn tissues, and bleeding; others cause bruising and temporary damage to your brain cells.
If you or a loved one experiences a traumatic brain injury, prompt medical attention is necessary. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, you run the risk of long-term medical complications or death.
Does a traumatic brain injury present any symptoms?
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury depend on the severity of the impact. Most people experience a combination of physical and psychological effects, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of balance
- Memory or concentration problems
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Traumatic brain injuries can also cause one or both pupils to dilate and result in convulsions or seizures.
What causes traumatic brain injuries and who is at risk?
Traumatic brain injuries occur for various reasons, including slip-and-fall accidents, work-related accidents, sports injuries, and automobile collisions. Other common causes of traumatic brain injuries include domestic violence, gunshot wounds, and combat injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries affect people of all ages, races, and genders. Unfortunately, they also increase your risk of serious health complications, including coma, fluid on the brain, serious infections, and vertigo.
How are traumatic brain injuries diagnosed?
To diagnose a traumatic brain injury, Dr. Gupta conducts a physical exam and neurological evaluation. Next, she asks you questions about the cause of your injury and if you lost consciousness.
Dr. Gupta also orders a computed tomography (CT) scan or an MRI to get a detailed view of your brain. These tools can pinpoint fractures, blood clots, bruised brain tissue, and other visible effects associated with traumatic brain injuries.
How are traumatic brain injuries treated?
Treatment of a traumatic brain injury depends on the severity of the impact and your resulting symptoms. Dr. Gupta might recommend getting plenty of rest and taking over-the-counter painkillers if you have a mild brain injury. She may also ask you to return for several follow up appointments to monitor your progress.
More severe brain injuries may require hospitalization, oxygen, and professional stabilization for your head and neck. Dr. Gupta might prescribe diuretics to ease fluid pressure on your brain, anti-seizure drugs to prevent convulsions or coma-inducing drugs to support your body’s natural healing process. In rare instances, surgery may also be necessary.
To schedule a traumatic brain injury appointment at Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, call the office or book online today. Dr. Gupta also accepts worker's compensation for traumatic and other brain injuries.