Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and TBI Symptoms

With or without concussion, injuries to the brain are serious and concerning. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be either subtle or obvious, depending on the severity of the injury.

“Dr. Tolentino reviewed my symptoms, health history, X-rays and prior interventions. He and his PAs were so kind, knowledgeable and comforting. They answered all my questions and made me feel completely confident and comfortable with my decision to pursue surgical intervention."
Regional Brain and Spine Patient

A brain injury is a serious event and can be life-changing for many individuals. If your loved one has a serious fall or head injury and/or is experiencing the symptoms below, he or she should be seen by the neurosurgical experts at Regional Brain and Spine. We will provide you with a complete assessment along with a progressive, individualized plan for rehabilitation and the best possible return to a normal, productive, fulfilling life.

Some common signs and symptoms of a TBI include:

1. Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
2. Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
3. Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
4. Getting lost or easily confused
5. Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation
6. Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
7. Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
8. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
9. Urge to vomit (nausea)
10. Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
11. Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
12. Loss of sense of smell or taste

Any of the above symptoms should result in immediate attention by a neurosurgeon.

Dr. Kevin Vaught, MD, discusses O-Arm Imaging on Heartland Business Break

As a respected physician in our region, Dr. Kevin Vaught, MD brought the leading edge technology O-Arm imaging to the neurosurgical operating room at Southeast Hospital. This system provides high-resolution images in real time to the physician during complex spine surgeries. This breakthrough technology allows for safer surgeries for patients undergoing spine operations.

Benefits of physician extenders (PAs and NPs) working with RBS neurosurgeons and pain physicians

The RBS team includes the region’s most experienced and respected neurosurgeons and pain physicians.  To provide optimum care for RBS patients, these physicians are assisted by nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified physician assistants (PAs). Together, these medical professionals combine their knowledge and skill to provide expert and compassionate care for our patients with challenging neurosurgical and pain conditions.

Some patients have commented on the excellent service they have received from our physician extenders (PAs and NPs). This article provides some background into the training and expertise of our physician extenders, and how our Neurosurgeons and pain physicians work closely with them to provide top quality care to our patients.

PAs take many of the same premed courses as physicians and are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of physicians in hospitals, offices, surgical centers and clinics.  NPs are "advanced practice" nurses who have completed advanced coursework and clinical education beyond that required of the general RN. At RBS our NPs and PAs have extensive training beyond their requisite certification guidelines.

The training required for both PAs and NPs places an emphasis on disease prevention and wellness counseling. Our physicians determine which patients require operations or procedures, which procedures are most indicated, and are the ones who personally conduct the operations. Whereas our NPs and PAs are very important for seeing patients during initial exams, preoperative and post operative visits. In addition, from time to time, our physician extenders assist our neurosurgeons and pain physicians with certain procedures.

Below is a partial list of duties our PAs and NPs perform for us at RBS:

• Obtain histories
• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose and treat neurological conditions and pain disorders
• Order and interpret tests
• Assist in the develop of treatment plans
• Counsel on preventative health care
• Assist our physicians in surgery
• Write prescriptions

RBS PAs

Jason Bowers		Patrick Hammond		Dennis Paul II

RBS NPs

Debra Alexander		Kristi Skinner		Stephanie Riley		Jake Muckerman