Doctors specializing in treating traumatic brain injuries include neurologists and physiatrists—medical doctors especially trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Psychologists are also important parts of the TBI medical team. Neuropsychologists understand the functioning of the brain and how it relates to the behavioral changes frequently seen in traumatic brain injury; these specialists can be a tremendous help to patients with TBI and to their families who must cope with the changes in their loved one’s behavior.

We have tried to make the following list of medical specialists treating TBI in California as complete as possible, but it is not exhaustive. The rehabilitation centers listed can help you find other specialists in your area.

 

Doctors from several specialties are involved in treating spinal cord injuries. Neurologists specialize in treating the central nervous System, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Physiatrists are doctors certified in physical rehabilitation medicine. Physiatrists often sub-specialize in pain management; chronic pain can be significant problem for some spinal cord injury patients. Orthopedic surgeons work on the skeletal structure and many specialize in treating spinal cord injury.

 

The mental and emotional aspects of a spinal cord injury cannot be overlooked. Neuropsychologists study the functioning of the brain and how it interacts with psychological factors to influence behavior. A neuropsychologist can be particularly helpful in assisting in the emotional adjustment of an SCI patient who has also experienced a brain injury.

 

The following list of specialists treating SCI in California is by no means exhaustive, but we have tried to make it as complete as possible: