Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are brain injuries caused by an external event – such as a fall or a car accident. Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Conventional brain injury treatments include medications and rehabilitative therapies to help patients manage symptoms and relearn lost abilities.
Most of the traumatic brain injuries diagnosed are of the mild variety. The primary treatment for mild TBI is rest. However, with the known association between mild TBI and a later development of neurodegenerative disease, interest has turned to developing alternative treatment options to address injuries that may develop secondary to TBI.
Any type of brain injury can result in long-term consequences that are disabling and permanent. At Ernst Law Group, our San Luis Obispo brain injury lawyers help clients with significant brain injuries obtain the compensation they need to support their recovery.
Alternative treatment options for traumatic brain injury (TBI)
When a brain injury occurs, the first concern is to get the patient in stable condition. Once a patient is stabilized, attention is focused on preventing secondary damage that can occur as a consequence of the original injury.
Secondary injuries are caused by the body’s own reaction to the injured brain and can be both acute and chronic. Secondary injuries from a TBI occur due to disruptions in the normal functioning of brain cells. These disruptions can lead to further damage and the development of disease over time.
Secondary injuries that may benefit from alternative treatment include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Secondary injuries are thought to contribute to the development of seizures, sleep disruption, depression, impulsivity, and cognitive decline.
Available alternative treatments focus on promoting cell health and preventing cell damage using any combination of the following:
- Natural and pharmaceutical supplements
- Vitamins and minerals
- Optimal nutrition
- Herbal medicine
Alternative therapies for traumatic brain injury
Alternative treatment therapies that have shown some benefit in relieving or improving TBI-related symptoms such as depression, agitation, motor and speech function, and working memory include:
- Mind-body practices – meditation, yoga, hypnosis
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Music therapy
Stem cell therapy for TBI
Although still very controversial and strictly regulated in the United States, studies have shown improved functional recovery after TBI with intravenous stem cell therapy. Stem cells have strong anti-inflammatory effects on the body and also promote the healing process.
Alternative treatments for anoxic brain injury
Brain injuries can interfere with the body’s ability to get oxygen to brain cells. When the brain does not get enough oxygen, the cells can’t function properly and begin to die. Two types of injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen.
Anoxic brain injury is caused when the brain is completely cut off from oxygen. Brain cells will begin to die within 5 minutes. Hypoxic brain injury occurs when the oxygen flow to the brain is restricted. Restricted oxygen flow can cause brain cell dysfunction and eventual death. Hypoxic brain injury can occur as a secondary injury to TBI.
An alternative treatment that can promote healing by restoring oxygen levels is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen under pressurized conditions. It helps to reduce inflammation of brain tissue, repair damaged cells, and promote new cell growth.
Looking for alternative treatments for TBI? Work with a top-rated California brain injury lawyer.
Brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can experience, and they can result in severe and permanent damage. A person who experiences TBI may need ongoing medical care and may suffer a considerable reduction in their ability to function independently and enjoy life as they previously knew it.
Obtaining compensation for a traumatic brain injury can involve complex legal and medical issues. An experienced California brain injury lawyer from Ernst Law Group can be trusted to help you or a loved one get the maximum compensation for a traumatic brain injury. Call (805) 541-0300 or contact Ernst Law Group for a free consultation.
