About Head Injury
Key Highlights
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Life-saving intervention for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Aims to prevent secondary brain damage by relieving pressure and controlling bleeding.Performed by highly specialized neurosurgeons with advanced training.Utilizes state-of-the-art technology like intraoperative imaging and neuromonitoring.Critical for preserving neurological function and improving long-term recovery prospects.
Who is this surgery for?
- Epidural, subdural, or intracerebral hematoma (blood clot) causing mass effect.
- Significantly elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) unresponsive to medical management.
- Depressed or open skull fracture with brain tissue exposure or compression.
- Penetrating head injury (e.g., from gunshot or sharp object).
- Progressive neurological deterioration despite initial conservative treatment.
- Significant midline shift or brain herniation seen on CT or MRI scans.
How to prepare
- Emergency stabilization: Securing airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
- Rapid imaging: Immediate CT scan of the head to assess injury severity and location.
- Neurological assessment: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to evaluate consciousness.
- Informed consent: Obtained from the patient if possible, or from next of kin in emergencies.
- Pre-operative medications: Administration of antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs as needed.
- Team briefing: Coordination between neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Neurological deficits: Potential for worsening or new weakness, speech problems, or vision changes.
- Seizures: Post-traumatic epilepsy can develop after a brain injury.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the surgical site.
- Brain swelling or stroke.
- Cognitive and behavioral changes, including memory loss or personality shifts.
- Risk of coma or persistent vegetative state in the most severe cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial care in a Neuro-ICU for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status.
- Management of brain swelling with medications and sometimes continued ICP monitoring.
- Early rehabilitation involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
- Gradual mobilization as the patient's condition stabilizes.
- Long-term follow-up with neurology and neurosurgery for ongoing assessment.
- Support for cognitive rehabilitation and psychological counseling for the patient and family.
- Possible need for additional surgeries, such as cranioplasty to repair a skull defect.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days (highly variable)
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial recovery; full recovery can take 1-2 years or more
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering head injury in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for head injury in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform head injury. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for head injury compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 7-21 days (highly variable) | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; full recovery can take 1-2 years or more | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 7-21 days (highly variable) | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; full recovery can take 1-2 years or more | Know More |
Top hospitals for Head Injury in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing head injury.
Arjun Johnson, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Arjun Johnson, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, fell 15 feet during a weekend climbing trip, striking his head on a ledge. Initially dazed but conscious, he developed a worsening headache, nausea, and confusion over the next 24 hours. A CT scan at the emergency department revealed an expanding epidural hematoma, a dangerous blood clot between his skull and brain's protective lining. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that without immediate surgery to evacuate the clot and stop the bleeding, the pressure could cause permanent brain damage or death. Arjun underwent a craniotomy, where a section of his skull was temporarily removed to access and drain the hematoma. The surgery was successful. After a week in the hospital and several weeks of cognitive rest and outpatient physical therapy, Arjun made a near-full recovery, returning to work part-time after three months. His emotional journey was one of terror and vulnerability, fearing he'd lose his sharp mind and active lifestyle. Post-recovery, he felt profound gratitude for his second chance, adopting a more cautious approach to his hobbies while cherishing his cognitive abilities.
Neurosurgeons for Head Injury
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform head injury and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada