Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

Insights from Dr. Michael Sandborn of the Spine, Brain, and Joint Institute

Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, and one of the most concerning are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions. Even in minor accidents, the sudden force exerted on the body can lead to head injuries that might not be immediately obvious. Knowing how to identify and treat TBIs and mild concussions after a car accident is crucial for protecting long-term health.

On this episode of Not Another TV Lawyer, Dr. Michael Sandborn, a well-respected medical doctor in the Jacksonville area, to discuss mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the steps towards recovery. Dr. Sandborn practices at the Spine, Brain and Joint Institute, focusing on physical medicine rehabilitation and pain management. Together with his partner, Dr. Michael Lupi, they guide their patients through a comprehensive treatment program. They see patients with a variety of injuries, including those to the neck, mid to low back, and joints like the shoulders, hips, and knees. The treatment could involve therapy, medication, and interventional procedures to help alleviate pain, aiming to restore a semblance of the patients' lives before the pain.

Watch the Video

Episode 3: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You (TBI) with Dr. Michael Sandborn

In this episode of 'Not Another TV Lawyer,' hosts Chris Shakib and Jessica Hall are joined by Dr. Mike Sandborn, a medical doctor specializing in Physiatry and interventional pain management at the Spine, Brain, and Joint Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Sandborn discusses his practice's focus on treating spine, brain, and joint injuries, elaborating on the impact and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The conversation spans the challenges of concussion diagnosis, the evolution of treatments since the 1990s, and the significance of early intervention and personalized care.

Video time-stamps are available at the end of this blog in the Episode Notes.

Understanding more about TBIs and Mild Concussions Caused by Car Accidents: Identification and Treatment

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This could happen from a direct blow to the head, a sudden jolt, or when the brain strikes the inside of the skull. TBIs can range from mild (such as a concussion) to severe, potentially leading to long-term complications or even death.

Mild Concussions: A Common Form of TBI

Mild concussions are the most common type of TBI caused by car accidents. They occur when the brain experiences a mild injury, often without losing consciousness. While they are considered "mild," it’s important to note that any head injury requires attention, as even mild concussions can lead to significant symptoms or long-term effects if untreated.

Dr. Sandborn explains that brain injuries might seem mild due to the specific terminology, but their impact can be significant, affecting quality of life, job performance, and relationships. Mild TBIs can result from various traumatic events such as car accidents or sports injuries, with symptoms varying widely from quick recovery to chronic, lasting effects.

Identifying TBIs and Mild Concussions After a Car Accident

Dr. Sandborn underscores the need to identify symptoms of mild TBIs promptly. Often, people brush off symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and irritability, not recognizing these could be signs of a concussion. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment.

The symptoms of a TBI or mild concussion can appear immediately or take hours to days to fully develop. The most common signs to watch for include:

• Headache: A lingering or worsening headache after the accident.

• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or having balance issues.

• Confusion: Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or processing information.

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or drowsy without explanation.

• Nausea or Vomiting: This is more common in the hours following the injury.

• Sensitivity to Light or Sound: Heightened sensitivity to sensory input is often an indicator of a concussion.

• Mood Changes: Irritability, sadness, or anxiety without clear reason.

• Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or sleeping more than usual.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the accident seemed minor. The force of impact can still lead to brain trauma that might not present itself right away.

Diagnosing a TBI or Concussion

Healthcare professionals, like Dr. Sandborn, use a variety of tools to diagnose TBIs. Typically, they’ll conduct a neurological exam to check reflexes, motor function, and cognitive abilities. If a concussion or more severe brain injury is suspected, imaging tests like a CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be used to assess the extent of damage. In mild cases, these scans may not show visible damage, but symptoms will guide the diagnosis.

For lingering conditions suggesting a more severe injury, Dr. Sandborn recommends advanced imaging like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). This technique can detect microscopic changes in the brain that traditional MRIs might miss and guide targeted treatment strategies.

Treatment of TBIs and Mild Concussions

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but in all cases, early intervention is key to minimizing long-term effects. Dr. Sandborn's patient-centric approach involves getting patients back into their routines safely and effectively. The worst thing to do after a mild TBI is nothing. Proactive treatment and frequent assessments ensure patients are on the right track to recovery.

1. Rest: For mild concussions, rest is the most effective treatment. This includes both physical and cognitive rest. Avoiding screen time, bright lights, loud environments, and stressful activities is important.

2. Gradual Return to Activity: Once symptoms begin to improve, patients should slowly return to normal activities. It’s important not to rush this process, as returning too quickly can exacerbate symptoms or delay recovery.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen can help manage headaches. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin immediately after the injury, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

4. Follow-up Care: In the case of moderate to severe TBIs, follow-up appointments with a neurologist or concussion specialist may be necessary. Ongoing cognitive or physical therapy may be recommended to assist in recovery.

5. Monitoring for Symptoms: If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek further medical evaluation. Some TBIs can result in longer-term complications such as post-concussion syndrome, which requires specialized treatment.

Preventing TBIs in Car Accidents

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of TBIs and concussions:

• Always wear a seatbelt. Properly wearing your seatbelt can reduce the force of impact and the risk of head injuries.

• Use airbags effectively. Ensure your car's airbags are functioning properly and that you are seated at a safe distance from the airbag.

• Position your headrest properly. The headrest should be adjusted to the back of your head, not your neck, to help minimize whiplash injuries.

• Drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Don't drink and drive.

Traumatic brain injuries and mild concussions caused by car accidents can have lasting effects if left untreated. Early identification and appropriate treatment are key to ensuring a full recovery. If you've been involved in a car accident and experience any signs of a TBI or concussion, seeking medical attention promptly can help prevent complications and safeguard your long-term health.

Meet our Guest

Dr. Michael Sandborn, M.D. FAAPMR

Trained at Emory University, Dr. Sandborn has dedicated his life’s work to making people feel better. His experience in dealing with pain and traumatic brain injury is rivaled only by his compassion for his patients.

Licensed in Florida and Michigan, Dr. Sandborn specializes in Interventional Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine in his practice, Spine, Brain and Joint Institute in Jacksonville, FL. He is married to his wife, Alyse, for 24 years and they have three adult children. He is an avid mountain biker and sailor.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mild TBI, Dr. Sandborn is available for consultation. You can contact the Spine, Brain and Joint Institute through their website at https://spinebrainjointinstitute.com or call their office at 904-374-3672. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and quality of life.

Episode Notes:

Key areas of discussion include symptom identification, lifestyle changes post-injury, the role of supplements and medications, and the utility of advanced imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in the diagnosis and management of TBIs. Dr. Michael Sandborn also emphasizes the importance of specialized care for better patient outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Not Another TV Lawyer

00:31 Meet Dr. Michael Sandborn

00:55 Understanding Spine, Brain, and Joint Care

01:13 Focus on Pain Management

02:34 Traumatic Brain Injury Insights

04:21 Concussion Awareness and Prevention

07:07 Identifying and Treating Mild TBIs

11:59 Lifestyle Adjustments for Recovery

22:10 Advanced Care for Persistent Symptoms

30:33 Referral and Contact Information

31:54 Conclusion and Sponsor Message