Neurotraumatology deals with traumatic injuries to the skull, brain, spine, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Traumatic injuries are caused, for example, by traffic, work and sports accidents. Various examination and treatment techniques are used in the treatment of patients.
You can find more information and specialists here.
Neurotraumatology deals with traumatic injuries to the skull, brain, spine, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
The focus is onbone fractures and damage to the brain and spinal cord that cause neurological disorders. Doctors use conservative or surgical methods as treatment.
Traumatic brain injury can affect the skin, skull, meninges, brain and blood vessels. Around 50% of road accident victims suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
In 80% of cases, the trauma is minor, while 20% have moderate or severe trauma. This usually involves skull fractures, cerebral haemorrhages, brain swelling or bruising.
To assess the severity of the injury, doctors use the Glasgow Scale (GS). It records the patient's level of consciousness and verbal and motor reactions.
The symptoms of mild trauma (GS 13-15) subside within a few days. In the case of moderate trauma (GS 9-12), symptom recovery takes up to a month. Long-term consequences rarely occur. Severe trauma (GS 3-8), which is accompanied by unconsciousness lasting more than 30 minutes, can cause long-term consequences.
Common causes of craniocerebral trauma are falls, traffic accidents and sports injuries @ vladim_ka /AdobeStock
Spinal trauma affects the spine and spinal cord. Vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, ligaments and the nerve marrow can be affected. Here too, the spectrum of injuries ranges from temporary functional disorders to contusions with substantial damage.
Every year, around 30 out of every million people suffer traumatic paraplegia as a result of spinal trauma. Depending on whether the damage occurs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region, the result is para- or tetraplegia.
Paraplegia is the complete paralysis (plegia) of both legs. Tetraplegia is a complete paralysis (plegia) of all four extremities and is one of the forms of paraplegia.
Complete paralysis means a loss of surface and depth sensitivity. The patient can no longer feel their extremities. Reflexes and bladder and bowel function are also impaired. Incomplete paralysis shows different patterns of loss.
Peripheral nerves are also affected by traumatic damage: Bleeding, swelling, bruising or tearing of the nerves occur.
Neurological injuries lead to limited function of the affected organs. The classification of the damage into degrees of severity makes it possible to predict the ability and duration of regeneration.
Peripheral nerves can recover within 3-4 weeks in the case of slight pressure damage. If they are completely severed, surgical repair is required as they do not heal themselves. If only the axon is affected, the prognosis is more favorable and the nerve can regenerate.
The cause is usually a violent impact. This can be blunt force , such as a fall, blow or impact. Traffic accidents are responsible for 50-70% of traumatic neurological injuries.
Thefollowing causes are alsoresponsible for damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nerve tracts:
Traumatic injuries can affect people of all ages, whether male or female. Participation in road traffic and some sports are among the main risk factors.
Young men between the ages of 20 and 40 are more frequently affected by paraplegia. However, the ability to walk can be fully or partially restored in many cases.
Only 50% of patients with spinal cord trauma are dependent on a wheelchair after neurorehabilitation.
Neurologists use diagnostic tools to determine which structures are affected and the degree of severity.
The first step is a physical and neurological examination. Nausea, increasing headaches, stiff neck, dizziness, increased sweating or irritability can be warning signs of a brain injury. These symptoms can occur up to 48 hours after the accident. If you notice such symptoms after a fall, it is essential that you seek specialist medical advice.
An X-ray examination in two planes provides information about the integrity of the bony structures. Fractures of the skull or vertebrae can be detected in this way.
Computed tomography (CT) scans are very sensitive for imaging the brain and spinal cord. Surgeons often use them to plan operations.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to diagnose swelling, bleeding, soft tissue involvement or cerebrospinal fluid congestion.
Depending on the structures involved, angiographies to visualize blood vessels or Doppler sonographies are helpful.
Electrophysiological neuromonitoring aids are also used. Electrophysiological diagnostic procedures include EEG (electroencephalographic measurement) and EMG (electromyography).
CT of the brain is used when a quick diagnosis is necessary @ My Ocean studio /AdobeStock
Neurosurgeons who specialize in neurotraumatology and spinal surgery can be found in large clinics or specialized centers. These are equipped with the necessary diagnostic facilities (CT, MRI) and modern equipment for microsurgery.
Aftercare is provided by rehabilitation clinics that have specialist staff for neurological therapies. The German Society for Neurotraumatology and Clinical Neurorehabilitation represents the medical specialty.
The prognosis for patients with traumatic damage to the central nervous system is quite good despite lengthy therapies.
Highly developed diagnostic methods ensure more accurate assessments of the severity and development of the disease. A brain injury can lead to long-term neurological disorders that require outpatient care or support from relatives.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
