Brain and Spine Injuries
Neurotrauma involves injury to the central nervous system,
including traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury
(SCI). These injuries can often lead to lifelong
disability or death. Urgent medical attention may minimize
the effects of any head or neck trauma. In the later stages
of treatment, doctors will focus on limiting secondary
complications and maximizing mobility and function.
Today more people survive after a serious neurological injury
than ever before. The increase in survival can be attributed
to advances in both emergency and ongoing medical care.
If you experience a traumatic brain injury or spine injury in
Northeast Wisconsin or Upper Michigan, you may be treated by a
BayCare Clinic physician. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical
care at three of Green Bay's hospitals (including Aurora BayCare
Medical Center) as well as at other medical centers throughout the
region.
Brain Trauma
A traumatic brain injury, or neurotrauma, may be
caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, a workplace accident, a
sporting accident, or even domestic violence.
If someone has suffered a blow to the head, or you believe brain
injury may have occurred, it's important to seek medical help
quickly. Medical care will focus on stabilizing the patient
and ensuring the body and brain are receiving an adequate flow of
blood and oxygen.
Sometimes, the doctor will request x-rays or other scans to see
if the patient has any fractures or internal swelling. If the
brain injury is severe, surgery may be required to treat any
bruised or bleeding areas in the brain.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord or
surrounding blood vessels are damaged. Commonly associated
with spinal fractures, spinal cord injury may result
in permanent or temporary paralysis below the area of injury.
Unfortunately, damage to the spinal cord may be permanent in
some cases. But the doctors at BayCare Clinic are continuing
to pursue new treatments, including medications that may improve
nerve cell function or regeneration.
Rehabilitation
The neurosurgeons at BayCare Clinic provide a full continuum of
care from initial diagnosis, to emergency care, inpatient
rehabilitation, and outpatient services.
We provide rehabilitation for brain injury and for spinal cord
injuries as part of Aurora BayCare Medical Center's comprehensive
trauma care program. This modern inpatient rehabilitation
program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We offer advanced treatment
modalities with the goal of helping patients return to a full,
satisfying lifestyle.
Providers
Paul Baek,
MD
Mark Gardon,
MD
Wesley
E. Griffitt, MD
Richard
Harrison, MD
Max Ots,
MD
Steven
Weinshel, MD