Treating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When a patient arrives at Providence with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they may be in a medical crisis. They are also in the most capable, compassionate hands. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and other neurological specialists provide the expert treatment patients need at this critical time.

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Why Choose Us for Your Traumatic Brain Injury?

At Providence, our goal is to treat your TBI rapidly with precision care. Here’s why thousands of patients trust us to treat their traumatic brain injuries every year:

Doctor speaking with patient

A TBI can be life-threatening, and time is of the essence. We diagnose you quickly and accurately and stabilize you for immediate care. This may include neurosurgery performed by a doctor who specializes in caring for brain trauma patients.

We take a team approach to treating TBI, because we know this leads to seamless care and better outcomes. Your trauma team may include neurologists, neurosurgeons, trauma surgeons and emergency room physicians. As you recover, they work closely with other clinicians, including rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapists.

When you have a traumatic brain injury, we’re here for you with skilled, precise treatment. Our trauma neurosurgeons have deep experience performing the most complex brain surgeries. As you recover, a neurologist trained specifically to manage patient care in the ICU (intensive care unit) will be at your side. Your rehabilitation therapists will help you regain strength, mobility and cognitive skills.

Our community is diverse, and we respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of all of our patients. We offer location-specific translation services for non-English-speaking patients, telehealth appointments and help with transportation. In keeping with our Mission, Providence also offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible. 

As our patient, you benefit from one of the largest networks of neurologists in the country. This collaborative system includes award-winning physicians, scientists, researchers and caregivers. They work at advanced trauma centers and 51 hospitals across seven states. Our network is one of the reasons we care for more than 800 patients with TBI every year.

How Our Doctors Are Making a Difference

Bobby Clark was a typical high school senior until he sustained a traumatic brain injury during a football game.

Patient Stories

Anthony Guastella sustained a traumatic brain injury while working out in his garage. After surgery and rehabilitation at Providence, he’s back at it. Read Anthony Guastella’s story

Anthony Guastella
Providence Patient

More About Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI occurs when you sustain a powerful blow to your head, or when your upper body is hit so hard that it causes extreme and sudden movement of your head. An object that pierces the head can also cause TBI. Traumatic brain injury can make you become dizzy, forget things or have trouble concentrating, or even change your mood and behavior. Severe TBI can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

Our trauma neurosurgeons are experts at treating all types of TBI, including:

Mild TBI:

Moderate to severe TBI:

  • Brain contusion
  • Diffuse axonal injury
  • Epidural hematoma
  • Subdural hematoma
  • Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

Testing and Diagnostics

Doctor speaking with senior male patient and daughter

Your neurological team will use the most advanced methods to diagnose your traumatic brain injury. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Clinical examination
  • CT imaging
  • MRI

Personalized Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Your care team works with you to create a treatment plan based on the severity of your injury. Your plan may include one or more of the following:

  • Minor TBI: You may be monitored and advised to rest, limit activities or work, and avoid screens.
  • Moderate TBI: In some cases, you might need neurosurgery. You also may need occupational, speech or physical therapy and counseling for emotional support.
  • Severe TBI: Specialty care is required. Treatment may include surgery at a trauma center, time in the ICU, monitoring to watch brain pressure, medications and measures to protect the brain from further injury.

Find Neurological Care Close to You

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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