Surgical treatment is often used for patients of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
In closed head injury, surgery does not correct the problem. A bolt or ICP (intracranial pressure) monitoring device may be placed in the skull to monitor pressure in the brain cavity. If there was bleeding in the skull cavity, this may be surgically removed or drained. Bleeding vessels or tissue may need to be repaired. In severe cases, if there is extensive swelling and damaged brain tissue, a portion may be surgically removed to make room for the living brain tissue.
An open head injury confronts doctors with the same issues as a closed head injury; however, in addition, skull fractures may need to be repaired and damaged tissue removed.
The overall goal of all surgical treatment is to prevent secondary injury by helping to maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and minimize swelling and pressure.