Suffered A Severe TBI. What Does Bottoming Out Mean?
Thank you for posting your query.
First of all, I wish to congratulate you for a remarkable recovery from the stage of near brain death to an excellent brain recovery!
Bottoming out is not a frequently used term in medical practice. However, in your case, bottoming out may mean herniation of brain- due to severe brain swelling, part of brain descends along the foramen magnum (the opening through which spinal cord comes out).
This is a very critical situation for brain, and recovery is rare. It needs medications to reduce brain swelling, mechanical ventilation (artificial respiration) and surgery in some cases.
I hope it clarifies. Please get back if you have any more queries.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.