The Medical Team

Hospitals use a team approach in the care of the brain injured person. Family members may become disturbed because the lead doctor is not present at all times. However, each member of this specialized team has a specific and important job to do. It may be difficult for family members to understand which team member does what and to whom specific questions should be directed. The following is a list of professionals who may be part of the team during various stages of the recovery process.

Neurosurgeon

Physician specialist trained to care for all varieties of brain problems and perform brain surgery as needed. This person is primarily concerned with coordinating the medical treatment of the brain injured, and deciding whether or not there is a need for surgical treatment

Neurologist

Physician specialist concerned with treating disorders of the brain, nerves and muscles. Despite the name, neurologists are not the best authority for diagnosing brain injury. If other factors point to permanent brain injury, ask for a second opinion if a neurologist is calling the injury mild or short term.

Rehabilitation Nurses

Specially trained to care for the patient depending on the stage of treatment. They provide and coordinate all patient care, act as a liaison to other team members and are often a patient advocate. They are often the most knowledgeable person, regardless of degree level, you will encounter about brain injury.

Respiratory Therapist

Concerned with helping the patient breathe adequately as a means of preventing further complications and/or infections. If the patient is on a respirator, the respiratory therapist is responsible for maintaining the equipment. If the patient is unable to cough up secretions, the respiratory therapist may assist by lowering the head, tapping the back and suctioning the patient.

Physiatrist

Physician primarily concerned with evaluating the traumatic brain injury’s impact on the functioning of the patient’s body (not just the brain) and helping the patient to overcome any disability that has occurred. Usually a more knowledgeable and dedicated to brain injury professional than most MD’s. They have longer ranging contact with the survivor than most doctors.

Physical Therapist

Concerned with helping the patient regain maximum functioning of body movement or to prevent further deterioration of physical function in the unconscious patient. This is done initially by moving the arms and legs (called Range of Motion) and thereby exercising unused muscles.

Occupational Therapist

Concerned with helping patients with activities of daily living (ADL) and with recovering functions which help them return to gainful employment and maximum independence.

Speech Therapist

Concerned with helping the patient return to normal speech or learn alternative patterns of communication.

Neuropsychologist

Concerned with evaluating the mental functions of the patient’s brain and planning training programs to help the patient’s brain return to normal functioning as quickly and fully as possible. He/She will assist with emotional and behavioral problems.

Depending on the extent of injuries the patient has sustained, it is not uncommon for the admitting physician to consult with other physicians with special skills, such as infectious disease control; ear, nose and throat; orthopedic; ophthalmology; oral surgery; etc.

NEXT: ICU Equipment.

Understanding Subtle Brain Injury

The concussions that disable, are almost always more symptomatic at 24 hours, than at the 2-4 hour time frame when injured persons are evaluated in the emergency room. Brain injury symptoms escalate over the first 24 hours, because brain injury involves a cascade of events. It is critical that if you are still symptomatic the day after your injury, go back to the same Emergency Room, don’t wait for a doctors appointment. It is critical that the Emergency Room personnel see that the symptoms still persist or have gotten worse.

View Our Video Series on Concussions