Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain is damaged by moving around in the skull after a blow to the head or body. A TBI can be mild (concussion), moderate, or severe. Depending on its severity, a TBI can cause temporary or permanent problems with cognition (attention, memory, and problem-solving), function, sensations, and emotions.

Signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, which may not show for days or weeks after the event, may include:

• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Fatigue or sleeping more than normal
• Headache that persists or worsens
• Seizures
• Dilated (enlarged) pupils
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety, depression, agitation, or mood changes
• Loss of consciousness

Rehabilitation for a traumatic brain injury requires expertise and compassion. Make an appointment with a University of Miami Health System physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) today.

Tests

Electrodiagnostics
Electroneurophysiological testing is done with current and electrodes to determine nerve and muscle function/dysfunction and damage. Tests include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Treatments

Neurostimulation
Neurostimulation, also called electrical stimulation, uses low-voltage electricity to stop the nerve impulses that cause pain. Examples include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), applied on the skin over nerve endings, and spinal cord stimulation (SCS), which is inserted under the skin.

Interventional Spine Procedures
These procedures use image-guided technology to deliver steroids and medications right to the pain source. Selective epidural injections, cervical facet injections, cervical selective nerve blocks, and discograms reduce pain and inflammation in the neck. This treatment is usually prescribed with physical therapy or exercise.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Ultrasound imaging allows doctors to view nerves, bones, tendons, and muscles. Combining this technology with injection therapy means we can deliver medicines to the exact trigger point to relieve pain and inflammation. Steroids and platelet-rich plasma injections are commonly used to treat neuromusculoskeletal pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat from radio waves to damage nerve tissues, disrupting their ability to send pain signals. This is performed on the facet joints in the spine.

Spasticity Management
Therapies for spasticity relax muscle tightness and stiffness with medicines. Therapies include targeted botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for specific muscles, and intrathecal baclofen pumps that deliver medicine to the spinal fluid.

Why Choose UHealth?

Multidisciplinary care with teams built around your condition. Our rehabilitation team works closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and others to customize your treatment plan. We have special training in brain injuries and offer expertise in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology. You get a faster diagnosis and better care when we’re all working together for you.

Leading-edge non-surgical and minimally invasive therapies for pain. You have access to the latest approaches to managing pain, including neurostimulation and neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound-guided injections, all in one place.