Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

According to the CDC, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health

problem in the United States and it accounts for 1.7 million injuries annually.

Traumatic brain injury is an external force to the head and brain which causes

permanent disabilities or death. This type of injury developed from a blow or jolt to

the head or body such as bullet penetrating the skull or whiplash sustained from a

car accident. TBI ranges from mild to severe brain damage and it can be treated

with treatments, drugs, surgery, and rehabilitation.

Whenever someone sustains a minor head injury, he or she should keep a

watch for mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may include headaches, and feeling

confused or dazed making it difficult to express words verbally or to think clearly.

Other mild symptoms include dizziness, a ringing sound in the ears, and blurred

vision. Nausea or vomiting, sleeping more than usual, mood changes and depression

are possible signs of TBI.

With the signs of moderate or severe brain injuries people should watch

closely the more serious signs. The following signs can be seen in the first hour to

days after a head injury such as slurred speech as if the person is suffering from a

stroke, loss of consciousness, inability to awaken from sleep, a nagging headache or

a headache which becomes more painful. Seizures can appear after this type of

injury occurs. The injured person could have dilation of the pupils, repeated

vomiting or nausea, and clear fluids draining from the nose or ears.

If an infant or toddler sustains a traumatic brain injury, the young child will

have difficulty trying to explain the problem. Look for signs of excessive crying,

changes in eating habits, changes in sleep habits, sad or depressed mood, and loss of

interest in their favorite toy. A parent or caregiver should seek immediate medical

treatment for the young child.

The causes of TBI are...