Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen with no warning and often require emergency care. We offer rapid TBI treatment, including neurosurgical care. After TBI, neurorehabilitation helps you improve function and regain cognitive skills.
BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We offer comprehensive treatment for all levels and stages of traumatic brain injury. You benefit from personalized, state-of-the-art care to help lessen the loss of brain function and help you make a full recovery.
We offer:
Emergency neurosurgery: When an injury first occurs, it is important to get emergency treatment as soon as possible, which can include neurosurgery. Our neurosurgery services include dedicated operating rooms equipped to perform neurological procedures.
Neuro-intensive care: We offer one of the largest and most sophisticated neuro-intensive care units in the United States. After any neurosurgery procedure, you receive care from specialized physicians, nurses and staff.
Rehabilitation: After a brain injury, you may benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. Stabilized patients with neurorehabilitation needs may be referred to our Concussion Clinic, Aphasia Clinic, or Neuropsychology Clinic, depending on the type and severity of injury and loss of brain function.
A traumatic brain injury, sometimes called a TBI or intracranial injury, occurs when your head is hit with enough force to disrupt the brain’s normal functions. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury are falls, traffic accidents and violence.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, about 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States, of whom approximately 50,000 die and 1.1 million are treated and released from the emergency room. About 5.3 million Americans have a long-term or lifelong need for help in daily living as a result of traumatic brain injury.
Depending on how serious the brain trauma is, symptoms can be short- or long-term. Mild TBI may cause:
Bad taste in the mouth
Behavioral or mood changes
Blurred vision, confusion or dizziness
Change in sleep patterns
Fatigue
Headache
Ringing in the ears
Trouble with memory, concentration, attention or thinking
Severe traumatic brain injury can cause:
A headache that gets worse or does not go away
Confusion, restlessness or agitation
Convulsions or seizures
Dilation of one or both pupils
Loss of consciousness or coordination
Slurred speech
Vomiting or nausea
Weakness or numbness in the extremities
Long-term, traumatic brain injury can cause epilepsy and can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders. Timely evaluation and treatment can lower your risk of developing these disorders.
You should see a doctor any time you believe you may have experienced a brain injury. They will examine you, evaluate symptoms and determine what type of treatment you need. Mild brain injuries may need minimal treatment, requiring only a few days of rest.
You may need emergency treatment to prevent complications of TBI. Our expert Neurosurgeons may operate to treat brain bleeding or to relieve pressure from brain swelling. After stabilization you may need neurorehabilitation. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy to help you return to full function after a TBI.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Schedule your appointment
Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with a specialist.