Caring for Traumatic Brain Injury in Southern California

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of neurological injury caused by a sudden shaking or jostling of the brain inside the skull. Whether mild or severe, a head injury should always be examined by a trained medical professional.

Dignity Health Southern California offers specialized care to treat a wide range of neurological conditions. Our neurologists use the latest imaging equipment to diagnose TBI in Southern California and provide advanced treatment.  

Find a Doctor online to meet with a specialist at one of these locations:

• St. Bernardine Medical Center

TBI Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of TBI typically develop after a head injury and can include:

• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Convulsions
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Difficulty awakening from sleep
• Signs of stroke, including one-sided weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, or face
• Dilated pupils in one or both eyes

These symptoms be mild (headache) to severe (signs of stroke). For an accurate diagnosis, meet with a Dignity Health doctor.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

The main cause of TBI is a sudden, forceful impact to the head. This can happen if you hit your head on an object, receive a blow to your head, or fall and hit your head. The motion of a car accident can or an object piercing the skull can also lead to a TBI. Falls are the leading cause of TBI for people ages 14 and younger, and 65 and older.

It doesn’t take a lot of force to cause a TBI. People who’ve had a head injury or been in an accident may not even know there’s a problem until symptoms appear.

TBI Treatment at Dignity Health Southern California

Treatment for TBI usually involves neurocritical care and acute rehabilitation. At Dignity Health Southern California, treatment for mild TBI, such as a concussion, may include resting the brain from activities that require thinking and comprehension (like reading). Severe TBI treatment may include rehabilitation to address brain damage, as well as physical and occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and managing complications from the injury.

TBI Prevention

The best way to prevent a head injury is to always use protective gear to safeguard your head, including:

• Seat belt when driving
• Bike helmet when riding a bike
• Helmet when playing contact sports

In addition, you should always take precautions when climbing ladders, working on a construction site, or participating in extreme sports (like rock climbing or snowboarding).

If you have trouble with balance, using a cane or walker can help prevent a fall or head injury.