What we need to know about Traumatic Brain Injuries - symptoms to look for and treatment options.
Medical Minute with Dr. Paul Hartzfeld on Traumatic Brain Injuries
Featured Speaker:
Paul Hartzfeld, M.D.
Paul Hartzfeld, M.D., is a member of the Summa Health Neuroscience Institute and has special interests in neck and back pain, stroke, brain tumors and head injury. A graduate of Toledo's Medical College of Ohio, Dr. Hartzfeld completed a neurosurgical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He has received board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery and is a current member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Michigan Association of Neurological Surgeons and American Medical Association. Dr. Hartzfeld enjoys golf, reading fiction and cooking.
Transcription:
Medical Minute with Dr. Paul Hartzfeld on Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical Minute with Dr. Paul Hartzfeld on Traumatic Brain Injuries
VO: I'm here with Dr. Paul Hartzfeld, the Medical Director of Neurosurgery at Summa Health. What should we know about traumatic brain injury?
Paul Hartzfeld, MD (Guest): Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head causes the brain to bounce or twist within the skull. This injures brain cells, can break blood vessels, or create chemical imbalances.
VO: What are symptoms to look for?
Paul Hartzfeld, MD (Guest): For mild injuries, symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, mood changes, nausea or vomiting, and slurred speech. An injury is considered severe if there is a loss of consciousness.
VO: What's the treatment?
Paul Hartzfeld, MD (Guest): For any head injury, you should see a medical provider for a neurological evaluation and testing to rule out brain swelling or bleeding. Mild injury treatment can often be done at home with monitoring and rest. For moderate or severe injuries, you'll need to be admitted to the ICU for close brain monitoring to rule out bleeding or swelling that could result in reduced oxygen to the brain.
VO: To learn more, visit summahealth.org/brain.