Yaroslav Kosov, 18, the Florida Panthers 2011 fifth-round pick (124th overall) was injured in a car accident in Russia.
Kosov, apparently sustained a closed head injury and back injuries. The rehabilitation will take several months.
A closed head injury is any injury to the head that does not penetrate the skull.
Closed head injuries are usually caused by blows to the head and frequently occur in car accidents, falls and assaults. Closed head injury is also common in children who have suffered serious bicycle accidents.
Closed head injuries are the leading cause of death in children under 4 years old and the most common cause of physical disability and cognitive impairment in young people.
Overall, closed head injuries and other forms of mild traumatic brain injury account for about 75% of the estimated 17 million brain injuries that occur annually in the United States.
A traumatic brain injury can put a patient at risk of developing a variety of complications, including intracranial pressure and swelling of the brain. Patients with serious closed head injuries may suffer from:
Seizures
Nerve damage
Cognitive disabilities
Communication difficulties
Personality changes
Changes in sensory perception
Post-concussion syndrome
Coma
Most patients suffering from mild closed head injury report headaches, dizziness and short-term memory loss. A severe closed head injury can lead to death or cause a patient to remain in a permanent vegetative state.
Traumatic brain injury treatment, such as for closed head injury, depends on the severity of the injury. For patients with mild injuries, doctors recommend rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients with serious closed head injuries require additional medical attention.
Doctors treating severe closed head injuries seek to prevent further brain damage by easing intracranial pressure. This can usually be achieved with diuretics, anti-seizure medication or coma-inducing drugs. Patients with intracranial hematoma usually require surgery to drain clotted blood deposits. Surgeons also may open a "window in the skull" to accommodate brain swelling until it subsides.
Following surgery and medication, many patients with severe closed head injuries need therapy to regain basic motor and cognitive skills. Depending on what part of the brain was damaged, patients may struggle with walking, speaking or loss of memory.
Closed head injury patients typically begin their therapy during their time in the hospital and continue it on an outpatient basis. A skilled team of neuropsychologists, physical therapists and others work closely with patients to help them manage or regain their lost skills. The amount of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation required varies depending on the individual.
In Florida, one of the best places for treatment is the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation, Inc.
