Medical Professionals Specializing in Brain Injury Treatment
The differences between medical providers and experts trained in treating people with brain injuries is frequently confusing to individuals with brain injuries and their families. Treating physicians provide immediate care following a brain injury. Their role is to provide immediate treatment to the patient’s needs while medical providers specializing in treating people with brain injuries are well-versed in treating the whole person by coordinating care and treatment with skilled specialists who work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery. Individuals who sustain a brain injury need individualized treatment as soon as possible after incurring their injury. This page shares information on some of the most common specialists who help treat people with brain injuries.
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Behavioral Analysts are experts on the science of behavior and how it is applied to problems of individual and social significance. Behavior Analysts work with people across their lifespan.
Cognitive Therapists help people identify their thoughts and behaviors, specifically regarding their relationships, surroundings, and life, so that they can influence those thoughts and behaviors for the better.
Neurologists and Neurosurgeons are experts on how the nervous system functions following brain injury. Neurosurgeons correct trauma-related nervous system injuries.
Neuropsychiatrists conduct evaluations to characterize behavioral and cognitive changes resulting from central nervous system disease or injury, including brain injuries, Parkinson's disease or another movement disorder.
Neuropsychiatrists Treat Brain Injuries -- Many mental disorders can stem from brain injuries. The brain is powerful but quite sensitive. Any injury to the brain can change how it functions and how you see the world. The idea of becoming something else just because you injured your brain is quite scary, and there are many types of brain injuries one can experience. As there are many types of brain injuries, and everyone handles them differently, this means that you aren't going to have two brain injuries that are alike. Sometimes, your brain injury can heal over time. Other times, it may not heal, or it can be treated but never cured. Neuropsychiatrists help by looking at the situations you have and seeing what they can do for you. A person who has a brain injury may feel more anxious or have poorer concentration and it's up to neuropsychiatrists to help the person who is suffering from it. They can do this through medicine, therapy, and by stimulating the brain.
Neuropsychologists provide services to reduce the impact of setbacks and help individuals return to a full, productive life. Neuropsychologists’ evaluations provide valuable information to assist with rehabilitative planning and school, community, or employment re-entry.
Occupational Therapists (OT) treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help patients develop, recover, and improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Physiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and training in the specialty field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists diagnose illnesses, design treatment protocols and can prescribe medications.
Physical Therapists (PT) are health specialist who evaluate and treat human body disorders and can help manage illnesses or injuries to your bones, brain, heart, lungs and skin.
Recreational Therapists (RT)) help people reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic physical and mental abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. They use interventions, such as arts and crafts, dance, or sports, to help patients.
Speech/Language Pathologists (SLP) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
