Neurotrauma concerns injuries to the head, brain, spine and spinal cord, most often caused by road accidents, falls from height and assault. The priority is to protect breathing and circulation and to find out whether the brain is bleeding or swelling. Doctors assess alertness, pupil response and limb movement, and a CT scan is usually the first test.

Bleeding between the skull and brain, known as extradural haematoma, and bleeding under the brain's covering, known as subdural haematoma, may need urgent surgery to relieve pressure. Spine injuries are handled with careful immobilisation until stability is checked. Those with severe brain injury are monitored in an intensive care unit.

Recovery after serious injury can be long and includes physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Families are kept informed, with honest explanations about the uncertainty that follows severe injury.

Neurotrauma services at Apex include:

• Emergency Head Injury Assessment: Rapid neurological examination and CT scanning to detect bleeding or swelling, and quick decisions about observation, medicines or surgery.
• Haematoma Evacuation: Surgical removal of blood clots that compress the brain, performed through an opening in the skull to lower pressure and protect brain tissue.
• Spine Injury Care: Assessment and stabilisation of fractures and cord injuries, with surgery in selected patients to decompress nerves and stabilise the spine.
• Intensive Neurological Monitoring: Close observation of alertness, pupils, blood pressure and oxygen levels in the intensive care unit, with treatment to control brain swelling and seizures.