Brain and Spine Injury

Whether caused by an automobile accident, sports collision, fall, or act of violence, brain and spine injuries require immediate expert care. At Weill Cornell Medicine, our specialized neurosurgery team offers around-the-clock emergency neurological care to address these potentially life-changing injuries.

Types of Brain and Spine Injuries

The effects of a brain or spine injury may be felt immediately and can be permanent or temporary.

Traumatic Brain Injury

There are two types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), based on how the injury occurs. 

• Penetrating TBI - a bullet, knife blade or other object cuts through the skull and enters the brain. 
• Non-penetrating TBI - an external force, such as a car accident, causes the brain to shift inside the skull. A concussion is one of the most common non-penetrating TBIs.

Spinal Cord Injury

There are also two types of spine injuries.

• Complete injury - all communication is severed between the brain and nerves located below the injured area.
• Incomplete injury - despite the injury, the brain and spinal cord continue to communicate to some extent.

Causes of Brain and Spine Injury

Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries occur for many reasons, including:

• Automobile accidents
• Explosions
• Falls 
• Gunshots, assaults and other acts of violence
• Sports accidents
• Workplace accidents

Additionally, non-traumatic conditions cause damage to the spine, spinal column or brain. For example, stroke destroys brain cells, and diseases, such as osteoarthritis, can damage the spine. 

How Brain and Spine Injuries Affect You

A single brain or spine injury can have a substantial effect on your quality of life. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Coma
• Confusion 
• Depression
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Irritability 
• Lack of impulse control
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory problems
• Pain
• Paralysis
• Problems with walking and other movements
• Sexual function changes
• Weakness in one or more body parts

By reporting these symptoms to your health-care provider, you increase the chance of detecting a brain or spine injury early. You and your health team can then find treatment that reduces the likelihood or severity of long-term complications and increases your odds of a full recovery.

Diagnosing Brain and Spine Injury

To diagnose the root cause of your brain or spinal issue, your care team at Weill Cornell Medicine utilizes a range of diagnostic tests. These may include the following:

• Physical exam - if you experienced a spinal cord injury, your health provider checks sensation or movement below the injured area. For TBI, you’ll undergo testing to check your balance, hearing and more. 
• Imaging - CT, MRI and other imaging can uncover issues such as spinal fractures, bleeding and swelling. Advanced technology enhances our diagnostic capabilities, enabling radiologists to identify smaller areas of damage with greater accuracy.
• Other tests - your team may perform tests to check bladder function, swallowing, nerve conduction and other bodily functions.

Treatment Options for Brain and Spine Injury

Emergency care is often necessary for traumatic brain and spinal injuries. At Weill Cornell Medicine, neurosurgeons are on call 24/7, ready to provide immediate, expert emergency care. 

Based on your symptoms and test results, you may benefit from one or more of the following:

• Medication - the right medication can treat blood clots, seizures, pain, excessive sleepiness and other complications of a TBI. It can also help with side effects of a spine injury, such as depression, pneumonia and swelling around the spinal cord.
• Surgery - a neurosurgeon may fuse or realign bones or remove broken bone, fluid or other objects pressing against the spinal column. 
• Watchful waiting - mild concussions may not require medical care. Instead, you can return home and treat symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, the Weill Cornell Medicine team adjusts your care plan to alleviate current symptoms and reduce future risk.

These services are also available for non-emergency brain and spine injuries. 

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Weill Cornell Medicine is home to a multidisciplinary team of experts who have helped countless New Yorkers regain function after a brain or spine injury. Our goal is to help all patients enjoy independent lives with the highest possible quality of life. 

Research and Innovation

We also work to improve care for future generations. Over the years, we’ve participated in various clinical trials that have led to the development of new therapies and best practices, which are now established standards of care.

Make an Appointment

If you live in or near New York City, Weill Cornell Medicine provides expert, convenient care for brain and spine injury.

Call (866) 426-7787, or request an appointment online.

Our Care Team

When you come to Weill Cornell Medicine, you’re the key player on your care team. Here are some of the experts who come by your side to help you move toward better health.