Brain and Spine Trauma
At Boston Medical Center, our neurosurgeons know that no two brain or spinal injuries are alike. Brain and spine traumas (physical injuries) differ in complexity and severity, they can come on suddenly or over time, and their effects can range from mild to severe and heal quickly or slowly. We are a Level One Trauma Center with one of the highest volumes in New England, and our neurosurgeons have developed the experience needed to effectively treat a wide variety of traumatic brain and spinal injuries in adults and children. We can provide emergency diagnosis and treatment as well as elective treatments for non-emergent injuries. You're in good hands with Boston Medical Center.
Patients with head trauma may have skull fractures or ruptured brain blood vessels leaking blood onto the surface of the brain, and often have injury to the brain itself caused by these problems. One of the common operations for treatment of these conditions is a craniotomy, which involves surgical removal of a piece of skull to access the brain itself and relieve pressure. Sometimes the brain is injured so severely or the skull piece is so damaged that it cannot be replaced. In such cases, the patient's skin is closed directly over the brain, and a synthetic implant is manufactured in the same size and shape for implantation after the patient's brain injury has recovered.
Treatment for spine injuries depends on the severity of the injury or injuries. For example, immediate surgery may be necessary to determine the extent of a spinal injury, relieve pressure, or stabilize a fracture to prevent future deterioration and avoid long-term pain or disability. Our neurosurgeons are skilled in diverse surgical and minimally invasive techniques used to treat brain and spine trauma. Some treatments that have typically required large, extensive operations now have less invasive alternatives that can help reduce the extent of the operation. The benefits of these less invasive approaches include post-operative pain, faster recovery time, lower infection risk and better chance of minimizing damage to normal structures in the surgical area, which can help maximize the effectiveness and durability of the surgical treatment.
Brain and spinal injuries often occur with other injuries, requiring a team of multidisciplinary professionals. We emphasize a collaborative approach, working with our emergency physicians, trauma team, radiologists and physical and occupational therapists. We stay with you every step of the way, through any necessary rehabilitation and follow-up, providing ongoing care. Our neurosurgeons will coordinate with our rehabilitation facility within the hospital or with one of many rehabilitation centers with which we have a relationship. We will work closely with physical and occupational therapists and schedule imaging to monitor your progress and perform any follow-up procedures.