Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a violent, sometimes penetrating blow to the head that disrupts normal brain functions. TBI’s can result from anything from a careless fall to a car accident, and the resulting symptoms can vary wildly. TBI’s, whether mild, moderate, or severe, can have a dramatic and permanent impact on a person’s life, and despite their differing levels of severity, all TBI’s must be taken seriously. Consult a doctor if you or a loved one has experienced a head injury along with the symptoms described below.
The Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussions have been a popular talking point in recent years, especially in the field of sports. From documentaries to biopics, much has already been said on the effects that this mild TBI. However, you don’t have to be a professional boxer or linebacker to experience a TBI.
In fact, TBI’s most commonly result from falls, followed by motor vehicle collisions. A simple trip and fall down the stairs or a slip in the bathtub could lead to a TBI. Alternatively, the whiplash created when a person’s body is arrested by their seatbelt during a car crash is enough to induce brain injury. Remember, an impact doesn’t have to be present for a TBI to occur; all that’s needed is for the brain to be compressed inside the skull.
Violence can also lead to TBI’s, gunshot wounds to the head being a particularly graphic cause. But punches and kicks to the head can also lead to TBI’s. Even a violent shake is enough to cause a brain injury and require emergency medical services. Military personnel experience an increased risk of developing a TBI as a result of gunfire and explosions. Soldiers must not only brave dangerous environments but also endure shrapnel, falling debris, and blast waves that cause TBI’s and the prolonged life changes that follow.
Sports, especially those like football with repeated high-speed impact, can lead to TBI’s. Boxing and mixed martial arts can easily lead to a life-altering injury, but hockey, soccer, skateboarding, and just about any other sport imaginable can easily lead to a hospital visit as a result of a head injury — all it takes is a stray elbow or an overenthusiastic slide tackle.
Of note, many of the above situations, especially sports, can happen to young children. This is concerning because children are unable to communicate injuries like adults can. In order to protect children from TBI’s, parents must be able to recognize its symptoms and know when to consult a doctor.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
As mentioned above, TBI symptoms vary drastically and depend on the severity of the injury. Those suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury may experience any number of the following short-term symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- A period of confusion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Exhaustion
- Trouble talking
- Trouble sleeping
- Coordination issues
- Sensory issues
- Memory issues
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood shifts
- Depression
- Anxiety
Those with a moderate to severe TBI may also experience the above symptoms. However, these symptoms will be more pronounced and may occur repeatedly. In addition, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Pupil dilation
- Numb extremities
- Fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Increased or unusual aggression
- Coma
TBI’s can also lead to prolonged complications that can last for months, such as seizures, headaches, vertigo, infections, blood clots, coma, minimal consciousness, and brain death. You may also notice the injured person having difficulty with their speech or emotions. These are telltale signs of a TBI.
And remember, children are unable to clearly communicate their symptoms to you, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for changes in their behavior and habits. Pay close attention to how they sleep, eat, and cry. If anything seems out of the ordinary, be sure to consult a doctor.
Protecting Yourself From Traumatic Brain Injuries
The best thing you can do to protect yourself of your family from TBI’s is to employ common sense: always wear a seat belt, always drive sober and with caution, and always wear the proper safety gear when on a bike or involved in sports. If you have a child or live with the elderly, safe proof your house as best you can from falls and potential accidents. Aside from these tips, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from a TBI is to seek medical treatment when there is an injury.
How Do We Treat Traumatic Brain Injury in Florida?
Once diagnosed and tested to ascertain the severity of the injury, TBI’s are usually treated with little more than bed rest and over-the-counter pain medications. However, it’s important that an injured person is closely monitored to ensure that symptoms don’t worsen. Medications may be prescribed to lessen brain damage.
Is Surgery Required?
For severe injuries, more drastic measures may be taken. This may involve emergency surgery, which often involves relieving brain pressure and repairing skull and soft tissue damage. Doctors may instead elect to medically induce a coma to prevent brain damage in the event that blood vessels are unable to supply blood to the brain. While intimidating, these measures have saved the lives of countless TBI victims.
Schedule A Surgical Consultation
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI with lingering and debilitation symptoms that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment, it is of the utmost importance that you schedule a surgical consultation. Brain damage can lead to life-long complications, disability, and death if left untreated.
Schedule a surgical consultation with Florida Surgery Consultants today and take the first steps to recovery. We’ve included a convenient form on this page or you can call 888-411-6824.