Traumatic Brain Injury
Milder TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells and produce symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, dizziness or loss of balance, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or memory or concentration problems. More serious cases can result in bruising, pressure on the brain, torn tissue, bleeding, brain chemistry imbalances, and other physical damage to the brain that can lead to long-term complications or death. More serious symptoms can include convulsions or seizures, dilated pupil(s), inability to wake from sleep, weakness or numbness in fingers or toes, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and profound confusion. Treatment for TBI varies depending on the extent of damage and symptoms, and it sometimes includes pain management.
Why UAB
UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center is home to one of only 16 nationally designated Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Programs, which are funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the program also serves as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinical trials network center. This designation recognizes UAB’s outstanding care to individuals with TBI, including emergency medical services, acute care in the hospital, and rehabilitation expertise. UAB’s program has been a TBI Model System since 1998 and is operating under a five-year grant that spans 2012-2017. UAB also maintains a TBI Information Network as a resource to promote knowledge in research, health, and quality of life for people with TBI, their families, and TBI-related professionals.
VIDEOS
Traumatic Brain Injury
When Cade Weems suffered a traumatic brain injury in a catastrophic ATV accident, the first goal was to save his life. The staff at UAB Hospital succeeded in that goal. Doctors, nurses and speech and occupational therapists at UAB's Spain Rehabilitation Center worked to help give Cade back the life he once knew. Through a steady course of therapy, Cade relearned things that most people take for granted, like walking, talking and eating. Watch's Cade's miraculous story here.
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CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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