Head Injury Treatment – Dr. Ankit Daware
Understanding Head Injury
A head injury refers to any trauma affecting the brain, skull, or scalp. These injuries can range from mild concussions to life-threatening brain damage. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing complications such as brain swelling, bleeding, neurological deficits, and memory disturbances.
Types of Head Injuries
Dr. Ankit Daware specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of head injuries, including:
1. Concussion
A concussion is the most common form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs when the brain is shaken rapidly due to sudden impact. Symptoms may be mild initially but can worsen if untreated.
Common signs include:
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Temporary loss of consciousness
Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating
Even if symptoms seem small, a concussion requires a neurological evaluation to rule out deeper damage.
2. Contusion (Brain Bruise)
A brain contusion refers to a bruise on the brain tissue. It usually results from direct impact to the head.
Possible symptoms:
Severe headache
Memory loss
Emotional disturbances
Difficulty speaking
Loss of coordination
Large contusions may require surgical management if swelling increases pressure on the brain.
3. Skull Fracture
A skull fracture occurs when the skull bone breaks due to trauma. These fractures can be:
Linear fracture – simple crack
Depressed fracture – part of the skull presses inward
Basilar fracture – at the base of the skull
Diastatic fracture – widening of skull sutures
A skull fracture may also cause brain bleeding, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and facial injuries.
4. Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding)
Bleeding inside the brain is a medical emergency. Types include:
Epidural Hematoma
Subdural Hematoma
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Symptoms depend on where the bleeding occurs and how severe it is, but early treatment is extremely critical to prevent brain damage.
5. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
This is a severe form of TBI caused by rapid shaking or rotational forces that tear nerve fibers throughout the brain.
Signs of DAI may include:
Prolonged unconsciousness
Brain swelling
Severe neurological deficits
Diffuse axonal injury often requires intensive care and long-term rehabilitation.
Causes of Head Injury
Common causes treated by Dr. Ankit Daware include:
Road traffic accidents
Falls from height or slip-and-fall incidents
Physical assault
Sports injuries
Industrial and workplace accidents
Bicycle or two-wheeler accidents
Domestic accidents
Birth injuries in infants
Regardless of the cause, immediate medical assessment is essential.
Warning Signs of a Serious Head Injury
Seek emergency care immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
Loss of consciousness
Persistent or worsening headache
Vomiting repeatedly
Bleeding from nose or ears
Seizures
Weakness in arms or legs
Blurred or double vision
Sudden confusion or memory loss
Slurred speech
Unequal pupil size
Excessive sleepiness or inability to wake up
Behavior changes or irritability
These symptoms may indicate bleeding or swelling inside the brain and require urgent attention.
Diagnosis of Head Injury
Accurate diagnosis is the key to preventing long-term brain damage. Dr. Ankit Daware uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess the nature and severity of the injury.
1. Clinical Evaluation
Includes:
Assessing consciousness level (Glasgow Coma Scale)
Pupillary response
Motor and sensory function
Behavioral changes
Cognitive abilities
2. Imaging Tests
CT Scan: First choice for detecting skull fractures, bleeds, clots, and swelling.
MRI: Used for detailed brain tissue evaluation, DAI, and subtle injuries.
X-ray: Helps detect skull fractures in some cases.
3. Neurological Tests
Neuropsychological assessments are performed to determine memory, attention, speech, and coordination issues.
Dr. Daware uses a thorough, step-by-step approach to diagnose Alzheimer’s accurately:
Detailed medical history
Cognitive and memory assessments
Neurological evaluation
Brain imaging (MRI/CT)
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Treatment Options for Head Injury
1. Immediate Emergency Care
Stabilization includes:
Securing airway
Controlling bleeding
Stabilizing neck and spine
Monitoring breathing and blood pressure
Preventing further injury
2. Medications
Depending on the condition, medications may include:
Pain relievers
Anti-seizure medicines
Diuretics to reduce brain swelling
Antibiotics (for open wounds)
Sedatives
3. Surgical Management
Surgery may be necessary for:
Removing blood clots
Repairing skull fractures
Relieving brain pressure
Removing damaged brain tissue
Managing CSF leakage
4. Intensive Care Monitoring
Patients with moderate to severe injuries may need ICU monitoring for:
Brain pressure
Oxygen supply
Heart rate
Neurological status
5. Rehabilitation Therapy
Post-recovery rehabilitation helps patients regain independence.
Therapies include:
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychological support
Cognitive retraining
Prevention of Head Injuries
Head injuries are often preventable. Dr. Ankit Daware recommends:
Always wear helmets while riding two-wheelers or bicycles
Use seat belts in cars
Avoid risky locations and follow workplace safety guidelines
Install handrails and slip-resistant flooring at home
Monitor children closely during play
Use protective gear in sports
Avoid alcohol consumption while driving
Simple precautions can save lives.
Recovery After a Head Injury
Every head injury is unique, and recovery time depends on:
Type of injury
Location of trauma
Age and overall health
Timeliness of treatment
Some patients recover within days, while others may need months of structured rehabilitation. Dr. Daware’s comprehensive post-injury care ensures steady progress with continuous monitoring.