subject: Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries [print this page] A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) refers to brain damage that is caused by physical trauma. This type of injury is often a result of a direct blow to the head, but can be caused by a number of factors. When the force is large enough to break through the skull and damage your soft brain, or cause your brain to move within your skull, the result is a TBI.
A traumatic brain injury can be caused by almost any type of accident, including:
A TBI can occur even if you do not lose consciousness during your injury. Approximately 2 million Americans suffer from head injuries each year, and between 75,000 and 100,000 of victims die from their injuries.
Side Effects of a TBI
The effects of a brain injury can vary considerably. Your age and the developmental stage of your brain make a difference in your recovery. Where on the brain your injury occurred and the degree of trauma your experienced will also play a significant role.
There are many side effects associated with a TBI that are often cognitive as well as physical and emotional. Some of the most common side effects include:
Short-term memory loss
Loss of senses, such as smell or taste
Difficulty communicating
Speech impairments
Trouble concentrating
Increased anxiety
Seizures and muscle spasms
The inability to multi-task
Impulsive behavior
Depression
Double vision or blindness
Headaches and fatigue
Types of TBIs
TBI can be classified based on:
Severity: Mild, moderate and severe
Mechanism: A closed head TBI occurs when an object or impact does not break through your skull. A penetrating TBI happens when an object pierces through your skull and injures your brain tissue.
Other features: Other features that can classify a TBI include the location of the injury an when the injury occurred. Some TBIs happen at the moment of impact (called a primary injury); others happen hours or days after impact (called a secondary injury).
Treatment and Rehabilitation for TBIs
If you have suffered a TBI, the initial treatment begins when you arrive at the hospital. Doctors will assess the severity of your injury while the trauma nurse provides stabilization and supportive care. The nursing staff will also communicate your condition to other doctors and your family members.
Once you have been stabilized, you will be moved to a trauma care unit where your treatment options will be assessed. Medications may be administered and monitoring devices may be used to help maintain the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain to help reduce pressure and swelling. A psychologist will then evaluate your cognitive skills.
If you have suffered a TBI, rehabilitation is a long process. The number one goal is that your recover to your pre-injury functionality the best you can. A complete recovery is not often possible, but rehabilitative care can considerably help restore your brain function and help you adapt to your new lifestyle.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
By: Sara Goldstein
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