When your child is admitted into the emergency room for a brain injury, one of the initial courses of action during the acute phase of treatment is administering medication.

The goal of the medication is to reduce swelling that is occurring as a result of the brain injury. When swelling continues unchecked, it can further damage areas of the brain, causing secondary injuries in addition to the primary injury. These additional injuries can result in more long-term effects.

Common medications used to reduce swelling are steroids and diuretics. In addition, your child may also be given blood pressure medicine to minimize some of the negative effects caused by intra cranial pressure. Your child’s doctor, a well as others on the medical team, should be able to explain to you what medicines are being administered, and why.