Description
A bruise of the brain caused by trauma. The injury causes small areas of localized bleeding within the brain. The symptoms experienced are determined by the area of the brain that is injured and the size of the contusion. The frontal and temporal lobes are most commonly affected.
Symptoms
Headache, visual problems, vomiting, confusion, weakness, incoordination, slurred speech, coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT or MRI will be done to determine the location and extent of the brain injury.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT or MRI will be done to determine the location and extent of the brain injury.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
Depends on the location and extent of the injury but may include: observation, medications to reduce intracranial pressure, prophylactic seizure medications, and/or surgery to reduce brain pressure.