Each year more than 1.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury. While the majority of these are minor, some 80,000 to 90,000 patients are left with long-term disability, including paralysis, vision loss, hearing impairment, memory deficits and cognitive behavioral changes. In severely injured patients, death, coma, or a persistent vegetative state may result. Rapid neurologic care at a level 1 Trauma Center may make the difference between permanent impairment and a good recovery.
All patients who suffer a traumatic head injury and who experience a loss of consciousness or neurological changes will undergo an extensive workup that will likely include a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. We specifically look for evidence of fractures in the skull or bleeding around or within the brain.
If emergency surgery is required, the operating room is notified and the team converges to render life and limb-saving care. Our neurosurgeons work collaboratively with trauma surgeons and intensive care team to offer the best care for some of the sickest patients.
What Sets Us Apart
The Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona Department of Surgery offers the highest level of care for those patients with traumatic neurologic injuries. The University of Arizona Medical Center is the only Level 1 Trauma Center south of the Phoenix area and is one of the highest-volume trauma centers in the nation.
In addition to the more common types of traumatic brain injury, we see a variety of complex injuries. These range from severe craniofacial fractures that require a team of neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, ocular surgeons and otolarygology specialists to traumatic hydrocephalus, where normal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked and a permanent drain is required.
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Make an Appointment
For the best neurosurgical care in Tucson, Southern Arizona and the Southwest, you can make an appointment by calling us at (520) 694-1001.