Medical

This area will have some additional medical information as we learn and understand it.

GCS, ICP, decompressive craniectomy, CPP, MAP, “bolt”, Mannitol, arterial line… important concepts when it comes to brain injury. While much is known regarding how to minimize the effects of a brain injury (primarily reducing ICP and balancing CPP), the reality is that very little is known regarding specifics of the brain. General regions and their function are understood (left, right, Brainstem, Cerebellum, Frontal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe) specific details on injury/impact is less understood and usually only determined once the patient begins healing.

Depressed skull fracture
– Epidural hematomas
– Subdural hematomas
– Subarachnoid hemorrhage
– Intracerebral hematoma
Hairline skull fracture
Clavicle fracture
First rib fracture
C7-T1 fracture
Zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture (multiple)

GCS 6 on arrival.

RLAS somewhere between 4-5 right now.

Two days ago (5/8) we talked with Dr Weintraub of Craig Hospital. It was the first time we felt we got some solid information regarding his cognitive rehabilitation, a high level roadmap and future predictions. While brain injury outcomes aren’t guaranteed we felt like there was refreshingly less hedging going on and we were getting the straight dope. Dr Weintraub preliminarily assessed Noah at a RLAS of 4 but suggested that after 6-8 weeks at Craig he was reasonably confident he’d reach level 7-8. Noah’s brain will continue to heal over the next 12-18 months. While still unknown at this point the most common long term effects of his TBI may include increased need for rest (i.e. tires more easily during mental work), some short term memory impairments (forgetfulness), the need for anti seizure meds, and headaches. We can live (well) with that!