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Brain Injury and Concussions Brain Injury and Concussions

Brain Injury and Concussions

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At Miami Neuroscience Institute, we understand that brain injuries and concussions need to be treated as quickly as possible. That’s why we have experienced, Board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons available 24/7 to treat any patient who arrives in our Emergency Department with a brain injury.

The brain injury specialists at Miami Neuroscience Institute are skilled in making fast decisions that can help save lives and reduce long-term side effects of brain injuries. Whether you have had head trauma or a stroke, our team will collaborate seamlessly to ensure you receive critical surgery or other treatments as quickly as possible. Our team also works alongside neurorehabilitation specialists who are trained in helping brain injury patients recover.

What type of brain injuries are treated at Miami Neuroscience Institute?

Our team specializes in treating patients who have had brain injury caused by a stroke or a traumatic incident, such as a car accident or fall. We also help treat concussions, as well as patients who may have suffered a brain injury after treatment for a brain tumor.

How are brain injuries or concussions diagnosed?

When you experience a brain injury or suspected concussion, you will undergo a physical exam and a CT scan as quickly as possible to determine the location and extent of your injury. In some cases, you may also undergo an MRI to help doctors determine whether there is bleeding or bruising on the brain.

How are brain injuries treated at Miami Neuroscience Institute?

The treatment you receive for a brain injury will depend on the injury type, location and severity.

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, you may need surgery to remove blood that is putting pressure on the brain. This treatment involves drilling a small hole in the skull to drain the blood and relieve pressure. Some patients may also need surgery to remove a blood clot that forms on the surface of the brain, also called a subdural hematoma.

In the case of a stroke, we will work with our team of expert neuroradiologists to diagnose the condition as quickly as possible and treat it with clot-busting medications, such as a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). In addition to this tPA treatment, our neurologists will work closely with physicians at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute to use the latest treatment techniques and devices, including endovascular treatment, for removing blood clots or plaque from inside arteries.

Rehabilitation is another common treatment for brain injury and may be used alongside surgery or on its own.

Neurorehabilitation can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and neuropsychology services. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need to stay in inpatient rehabilitation for several days or weeks before moving to an outpatient rehabilitation program.

How are concussions treated at Miami Neuroscience Institute?

If you have been diagnosed with a concussion, your doctor will likely prescribe rest and pain medicine, if needed. We will also refer you to our Concussion Program, which will help you recover and get back to your normal activities.

The Concussion Program’s rehabilitation therapists and neuropsychological specialists will collaborate with your doctor to evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Physical therapy.
  • Speech therapy.
  • Occupational therapy.
  • Cognitive rehabilitation.

Our concussion clinic also includes physical therapists who are certified in vestibular physical therapy, which focuses on treating balance issues.

Conditions & Treatments


  • 2.5 million

    approximate traumatic brain injury-related ED visits in the U.S. in 2014 according to the CDC.
Our Approach

Our Approach

When you come to Miami Neuroscience Institute for brain injury or concussion treatment, you can expect:

  • Rapid, effective treatment that helps reduce the chance for long-term side effects.
  • 24/7 access to a team of Board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons who are specially trained in treating these types of brain injuries.
  • A team approach to your treatment, which includes expertise from neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, pharmacists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and dietitians.

Meet the Team

Your team will include Board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons, as well as nurses who are specially trained in brain injury treatment. Our rehabilitation team also includes speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists who are all certified in neurology and brain injury.
Brain Injury Research

Brain Injury Research

Our team is always looking for ways to improve our care by studying patient experiences and outcomes. We are also actively involved in studies with our concussion clinic, including research into concussions in youth sports. To learn more about brain injury research, talk to your doctor or view our list of active trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Brain Injury Support Group is a monthly meeting led by Baptist Health social workers. It features guest speakers who have suffered brain injuries and have gone on to live healthy and productive lives. All brain injury patients are invited to attend the support group to meet with other patients, ask questions and share their story.

    Talk to your doctor or care team to learn more about the Brain Injury Support Group.

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