Brain Clots: Treatment and Recovery for Teen Traumatic Injuries

Intracranial hematoma

A 16-year-old boy had a motorcycle accident on August 26, 2015, resulting in a subdural hematoma and a fracture of the right parietal bone.
He experienced intracranial bleeding, with blood leaking from his right ear.
He had a pressure monitor placed in his brain and spent approximately three weeks in the intensive care unit.
It has been over five months since the incident, and currently, he is experiencing worsening memory issues, impaired mobility on the right side, and is unable to lift his right hand.
The doctor mentioned that no further CT scans are necessary.

We have the following concerns:
1.
We suspect that there may still be vascular occlusion and blood clots in the boy's brain.
2.
The boy tends to ask the same question multiple times in a row; what treatment options are available for this issue?
3.
Is the boy's condition indicative of gradual degeneration due to brain issues?

Qingrong, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/12

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

This issue requires reviewing the patient's CT scan and clinical symptoms, making it difficult to provide an answer here.
It is recommended to discuss this further with your physician during your outpatient visit!

Reply Date: 2016/02/12

More Info

Understanding brain injuries, particularly in adolescents, is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. In your case, your 16-year-old son suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to a motorcycle accident, which resulted in intracranial bleeding and skull fractures. The presence of blood leaking from the ear indicates a potential serious injury, often associated with a skull fracture that can compromise the brain's protective layers.

1. Concerns about Blood Clots and Vascular Obstruction: It is understandable to suspect that there may still be blood clots or vascular obstructions within the brain, especially given the symptoms of memory decline and mobility issues. In cases of TBI, the brain can develop hematomas (localized collections of blood outside of blood vessels) or contusions that may not be immediately visible on initial imaging. While CT scans are the standard for diagnosing such issues, the decision not to perform further scans may be based on the clinical judgment of the treating physician, considering the risks versus benefits. If there are ongoing concerns, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion or request further imaging studies, such as an MRI, which can provide more detailed information about the brain's condition.

2. Repetitive Questioning: The behavior of repeatedly asking the same question can be indicative of cognitive deficits often seen in individuals with brain injuries. This could be related to memory impairment or difficulties in processing information. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial in addressing these issues. This type of therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills through structured exercises and strategies. Engaging a speech-language pathologist may also help if there are communication difficulties involved.

3. Cognitive Decline: The symptoms you describe, including memory loss and impaired motor function, can be associated with the aftermath of a TBI. It is important to understand that recovery from brain injuries can be a lengthy and complex process, often involving fluctuations in cognitive and physical abilities. While some patients may experience significant recovery, others may face ongoing challenges. The brain's ability to heal and adapt, known as neuroplasticity, plays a critical role in recovery. However, it is also possible for some functions to be permanently affected, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

In terms of treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective. This may include:
- Physical Therapy: To improve mobility and strength, particularly on the affected side.

- Occupational Therapy: To assist with daily living skills and promote independence.

- Cognitive Rehabilitation: To address memory and cognitive processing issues.

- Psychological Support: To help cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of TBI.

Regular follow-ups with a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary. If you feel that your son's needs are not being adequately addressed, advocating for more comprehensive evaluations and therapies is important.

In conclusion, while the journey to recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be challenging, with the right support and interventions, there is potential for improvement. It is crucial to maintain open communication with healthcare providers and to seek additional opinions if concerns persist.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Recovery and Risks

My brother was in a car accident and has been in a coma for a week. He woke up after three days but his cognitive abilities seem to have regressed to that of a child, and he is also speaking nonsensically. The doctors mentioned that there are small blood clots in his brain, but t...

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: First, the primary purpose of surgery by a neurosurgeon for patients with head trauma is to relieve pressure. Therefore, if the hematoma is not large, surgery is not necessary, as the hematoma will be absorbed naturally. In fact, the severity of the head injury is already ...

Head Injury in Teens: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall

Hello, my son is 15 years old. Last night, before going to bed, he accidentally hit the back of his head with significant force. There are no visible injuries or swelling at the impact site, but he is experiencing pain in the upper right area where he hit. After a night of rest, ...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! Based on your description, please "closely monitor neurological function and consciousness changes within 3 days." Your son should "avoid strenuous activities and working at heights for 1 week." Localized pain can be alleviated with mild cold compresses...

Understanding Non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Recovery Options

Hello, doctor. At the end of January this year, after flying back to Taiwan, I experienced mild headaches, cold sweats, and vomiting the next day, along with pale complexion, which prompted me to seek emergency medical care. The doctor diagnosed me with a headache and administere...

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Each individual's condition is different, and online consultations cannot replace in-person diagnoses. It is advisable to discuss subsequent treatment options with your primary physician. Thank you.

Can Car Accident-Induced Brain Hemorrhage Lead to Embolic Stroke?

My father was in a car accident (hit by a car) and suffered from bleeding in the brain, six broken ribs, and two broken clavicles. He was in the intensive care unit for about 13 days. The brain bleeding was checked 2.3 days after the accident and there was no further bleeding. La...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Miss: It seems that traumatic brain hemorrhage (due to external force) and cerebral infarction (due to vascular obstruction) are two different conditions. If there is arterial wall dissection, it might be explained by external force. I wonder if your father has metabolic...