There are several new developments in traumatic brain injury treatment, some designed to be used during the acute phase of treatment, and others designed to be used after the acute stage.
Latest Developments for the Acute Phase
Three treatments used during the acute care stage are omega-3 fatty acids, artificial blood, and progesterone.
It is known that some of the reduced brain function following an injury is caused by reduced metabolic energy. New developments show that a dietary supplement of omega-3 fatty acids counteract some of the effects of traumatic brain injury by improving the energy status of cells.
Another treatment known to have good results during the acute phase is artificial blood. That’s because artificial blood carries four times the oxygen level of real, red blood cells to brain tissue that has suffered traumatic injury. Scientists think this extra oxygen might interrupt some of the cell death that occurs immediately following injury.
Finally, a group of Chinese researchers have discovered that progesterone, the female hormone used in the contraceptive pill, may improve the neurological outcomes in brain injured patients.
Latest Developments to be Used After the Acute Phase
Two treatments designed to be used after the acute phase are cognitive rehabilitation and infrared laser treatment.
Cognitive rehabilitation is an individualized treatment plan that focuses on the patient’s unique issues and problems. The therapy may include a combination of occupational therapy, speech therapy, organizational therapy, and hand-eye coordination. The brain isn’t healed during this treatment, but it does learn how to better cope with the injury.
Infrared laser treatment is done via a handheld device that emits high-intensity infrared energy to the brain when held to the patient’s head. The idea behind this therapy is that the infrared energy will supply energy power to cells, which will help them resume function.