The Potential Of IV Therapy In Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries At Performance Care Sports Medicine

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) affect millions of people every year and are a cause for major concern. While the most common causes are falls and crashes, we often hear about the devastating injury as a result of a contact sport. Whatever the cause, the brain is a delicate organ, and the course of treatment and care for the TBI is an integral factor to healing.  

Dr. Golan Nissim at Performance Care Sports Medicine

In recent years, innovative medical interventions like intravenous (IV) therapy have emerged as a promising option in treating TBIs, which is one of the reasons Dr. Golan Nissim began incorporating it into his practice at Performance Care Sports Medicine.  This integrated healthcare center offers comprehensive multi-specialty services under one roof, providing the most complete pain management services using state of the art treatments administered by the finest certified medical professionals.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries stem from high-impact blows to the head or body, disrupting the brain’s normal functions. Mild TBIs may temporarily affect brain cells, while severe ones can result in torn brain tissue, bleeding, bruising, and more extensive damage, potentially leading to long-term complications or even death. The symptoms of a TBI can manifest immediately or surface days or weeks after the injury.

Physical signs to watch for include:

1. Loss of consciousness, ranging from a few minutes in mild cases to hours in severe cases.

2. Headaches, often worsening in severe TBIs.

3. Disorientation or confusion, common in mild injuries, with dilated pupils in moderate cases.

4. Drowsiness or fatigue, excess sleep in mild cases, and difficulty waking from sleep in moderate TBIs.

5. Dizziness, loss of coordination, and numbness in extremities in severe cases.

6. Nausea, vomiting, or clear fluid drainage from ears or nose in moderate TBIs.

Cognitive symptoms may include:

1. Sensory issues such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, ringing in the ears, or altered smell.

2. Memory loss and concentration problems in mild cases, profound confusion in moderate to severe TBIs.

3. Speech problems, particularly slurred speech.

4. Mood changes, ranging from mood swings and depression in mild cases to agitation and combativeness in moderate TBIs.

The severity of TBI symptoms depends on factors like the cause and initial impact force. Common causes of TBIs include vehicle collisions, sports injuries (e.g., football, soccer, boxing), and falls. Promptly addressing a TBI is vital to prevent secondary complications, which could include intellectual issues, communication challenges, and behavioral changes.

Understanding IV Therapy

Intravenous therapy, commonly known as IV therapy, involves the direct delivery of fluids, nutrients, or medications into the body’s veins via an injection connected to a tube. IV therapy stands out as a rapid and effective method for administering essential vitamins and nutrients. Unlike oral ingestion, which requires digestion and results in limited nutrient absorption (about 50%), IV therapy delivers nutrients directly to the bloodstream, achieving an absorption rate of around 90%. Performance Care Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center offers a range of Vitamin IV Drips to support the individual needs of their patients, ranging from hydration to immunity boosting.

During an IV therapy session, a trained healthcare professional identifies a suitable vein, inserts a needle, and secures it in place. The healthcare provider monitors the infusion process to ensure proper medication administration. Typically, IV therapy takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

Types of IV Therapy: IV therapy serves various purposes, from delivering life-saving medications to enhancing aesthetic appeal. It has four primary uses:

1. Fluid delivery: Effective for rehydrating individuals and restoring vitality.

2. Nutrition: Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and glutathione. This nutritional aspect of IV therapy is beneficial for TBI patients as it ensures stable fluid levels and essential nutrients before surgical procedures.

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IV Therapy for Brain Injury Patients

According to a study in Pub Med, the use of Intravenous fluid as a fundamental component of trauma care and fluid management may influences patient outcomes. While they can be a potential therapy to limit secondary brain injury, they need to be properly managed and should be prescribed in accordance with other pharmaceutical or therapeutic interventions. Refined usage may improve patient outcomes.

In the context of traumatic brain injuries, Dr. Nissim believes that IV therapy can play a crucial role in supporting the recovery process. It assists in replenishing vital fluids, stabilizing blood volume and pressure, and restoring balanced electrolyte levels. Furthermore, specific IV therapy formulations containing essential vitamins contribute to improved cell and brain health, potentially reducing homocysteine levels.

For those grappling with TBIs and seeking to explore IV therapy options with expert guidance, Performance Care Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center offers specialized care to help achieve optimal health. Their professional healthcare team collaborates with patients and referring physicians to create tailored treatment plans, encompassing physical therapy and musculoskeletal rehabilitation to ensure a complete recovery.

To schedule a consultation, reach out to Performance Care Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center at (818) 766-4307 or via email at info@pcsmgroup.com.