Head and Neck Trauma
Understanding Head and Neck Trauma
Traumatic injuries to the head and neck are among the most serious conditions a neurosurgeon treats. These injuries can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, sporting injuries, or acts of violence, and may affect the skull, brain, blood vessels, or cervical spine.
The consequences of head and neck trauma range from mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord damage. Early specialist assessment and intervention are often critical to achieving the best possible outcome and preventing further harm.
Symptoms to Watch for
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Confusion, disorientation, or memory loss
- Nausea or repeated vomiting
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the limbs
- Neck pain or stiffness after injury
- Seizures
- Seizures
- Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
How Dr Radebe can Help
Dr Radebe provides urgent and elective neurosurgical management of head and neck trauma. This includes assessment in the emergency setting, surgical intervention where required, and ongoing follow-up to support recovery and rehabilitation.
Treatment Options
- Craniotomy — a surgical procedure in which a section of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain. Used to evacuate blood clots (haematomas), relieve swelling, or repair damaged blood vessels after a traumatic injury.
- Craniectomy — similar to a craniotomy, but the bone flap is not immediately replaced, allowing the brain to swell without dangerous pressure building up inside the skull. The bone is typically replaced at a later date once swelling has resolved.
- Cranioplasty — a reconstructive procedure to repair or replace a section of the skull that was removed during a previous craniectomy or damaged by trauma.
- EVD (External Ventricular Drain) — a temporary drain inserted into the fluid-filled spaces of the brain (ventricles) to relieve dangerous increases in intracranial pressure, commonly used in traumatic brain injury and hydrocephalus.
- Posterior Instrumentation and Fusion — stabilisation of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine with screws and rods following traumatic fractures or dislocations.
- Laminectomy — removal of part of the vertebral bone to decompress the spinal cord or nerves following traumatic spinal injury.
- Wound Debridement — surgical cleaning of traumatic wounds, including scalp lacerations and open skull injuries, to prevent infection and promote healing.
All Treatments
Meet your Neurosurgeon
FAQ
How soon after a head injury should I see a neurosurgeon?
If you experience any loss of consciousness, persistent headache, vomiting, confusion, or neurological symptoms after a head injury, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Early specialist assessment can be life-saving.
What is the difference between a craniotomy and a craniectomy?
In a craniotomy, the bone flap is replaced at the end of the operation. In a craniectomy, the bone is left out to allow swelling to resolve safely, and is replaced at a later stage in a separate procedure called a cranioplasty.
Can you recover fully from a traumatic brain injury?
Recovery depends on the severity and location of the injury. Mild TBI (concussion) typically resolves fully, while more severe injuries may require extensive rehabilitation. Dr Radebe works closely with rehabilitation teams to support the best possible recovery.
What is an EVD and why might I need one?
An External Ventricular Drain (EVD) is a temporary device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to reduce dangerous pressure. It is commonly used after traumatic brain injury, bleeding in the brain, or in cases of hydrocephalus.
Will I need rehabilitation after head or neck trauma surgery?
Many patients benefit from a structured rehabilitation programme, which may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychological support. Dr Radebe will recommend the appropriate rehabilitation pathway based on your individual needs.
- Appointment