Treatment of brain injuries is very complex and serious. Some of the most important components include:
- Airway Management - As the brain swells due to injury, the ability to breathe is hindered. Also, the gag reflex is frequently lost. Therefore, a breathing tube is placed in the child's airway to keep the child from choking. A ventilator is used to ensure adequate breathing.
- Reduction in Brain Swelling - Any degree of injury can cause some form of brain swelling. However, if swelling becomes severe, it could be fatal. Therefore, medications are given which keep the brain from swelling. This could include medications like Mannitol or concentrated saline. If medications cannot prevent the brain from swelling to a fatal level, a portion of the skull may be removed in surgery to allow the brain to swell without causing harm.
- Reduction in Oxygen Consumption - The brain requires a large amount of the body's oxygen. During the treatment of brain injury, we want to ensure other organs are not competing for the oxygen the brain needs. To assist with this, healthcare providers will make sure the child maintains a normal temperature (no fever) and adequate pain control. We will also keep the room as quiet as possible with very little activity occurring which could cause the child to get scared.