Traumatic Brain Injury
Every day, people across the U.S. are injured and suffer brain injuries. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. in 2021, there were about 190 traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths every day, with over 69,000 TBI-related deaths being recorded in the same year.
But what is a traumatic brain injury, and how does one sustain such an injury? Let’s dive in to find out.
What Is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is a head injury that occurs when a sudden external force damages the brain. TBI typically affects how the brain works and is a major cause of death and disability in the U.S.
TBI is a broad term that describes various injuries that happen to the brain, but it’s important to note that not all blows to the head result in TBIs. Based on the severity of the impact and whether the person loses consciousness, a TBI typically falls into one of three categories:
Mild Concussion
Concussions are the most common type of brain injury that victims suffer, with 3 out of 4 TBIs being recorded as concussions. Its effects can, at times, be severe, although most injured victims completely recover from concussions.
Moderate TBI
When one suffers from a moderate TBI, they typically lose consciousness for somewhere between half an hour and 24 hours. People who experience moderate TBI may also experience confusion for up to a week.
Severe TBI
People who experience severe TBIs lose consciousness for over 24 hours. Such head injuries are generally linked to changes in one’s brain MRI or head CT.
What are the Most Common TBI Classifications?
In addition to the categories listed above, TBIs can be further categorized based on the type of injury that occurs. Some of these delineations include the following:
- Primary vs. Secondary TBI: When a TBI-causing incident occurs, it can result in either a primary or secondary TBI injury. Primary injuries show damage instantly, while secondary injuries reveal the effects of brain damage gradually over a few hours, days, or even weeks. Such injuries result from reactive consequences brought about by the initial trauma.
- Diffuse vs. Focal TBI: Diffuse TBI damage affects more than one area of the brain, while focal TBI damage is limited to a single area of the brain.
- Penetrating vs. Non-penetrating TBI: As the name suggests, a penetrating head injury occurs when an object, such as a bullet or bone fragment, goes through the brain tissue. This type of injury typically damages parts of the brain. A non-penetrating injury, on the other hand, happens when an external physical force moves the brain within the skull. Incidents such as truck wrecks and sports injuries may cause non-penetrating injuries.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBIs can have wide-ranging psychological and physical effects that vary depending on how you sustain the injury and how severe it is. Some injuries may be mild, with symptoms gradually disappearing, while other brain injuries are more severe and can lead to permanent disability. Some of the most common signs and symptoms to watch out for after a head injury include:
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Seizures or convulsions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Swallowing problems
Cognitive or Behavioral Symptoms
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability and mood swings
- Problem-solving deficits
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of sense of time
- Memory problems
- Disorientation or confusion
- Shortened attention span
- Problems with judgment
- Coma
Sensory Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in taste
- Loss of sensation
After sustaining a TBI, confusion, headaches, and dizziness tend to start immediately. Physiological symptoms such as irritability and mood swings tend to gradually develop over time.
If you receive a blow or jolt to the head, it’s advisable to see a doctor. Seeking emergency medical care and an accurate diagnosis can help prevent severe brain damage in cases such as when such injuries cause brain bleeds.
What are the Symptoms of a TBI in Infants and Children?
In the case of children and infants, some of the symptoms to watch out for include:
- Changes in eating habits
- Persistent crying
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Drowsiness
- Lack of interest in toys
If your child experiences a head injury and displays any of these symptoms, it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately.
What Are the Top Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
There are many causes of head injuries in adults and children, with falls accounting for nearly half of all emergency department visits. Some of the leading causes of TBIs in the U.S. include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Auto collisions involving cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians are a common cause of brain injuries.
- Falls: Slip and fall accidents in the shower and from beds, ladders, and staircases are common causes of TBIs in seniors and children.
- Sports Injuries: Sports such as boxing, hockey, football, soccer, and other extreme sports are a common cause of TBIs, particularly for youth.
- Explosive Blasts: Explosions are a common cause of TBIs for members of the military and mine workers.
- Violence: Child abuse or shaken baby syndrome, gunshot wounds, and domestic violence are some of the violence-related causes of TBIs.
How Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed and Treated?
Prompt medical care after sustaining a head injury is crucial. Once you visit your doctor, they’ll ask about your symptoms, ask about the cause of the injury, and conduct an initial assessment. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may order:
- Imaging Tests: An MRI exam or a CT scan to check for brain swelling and bleeding.
- Neurological Evaluation: To check your sensory functions, motor function, thinking, and memory.
- Blood Tests: To check for proteins in your blood indicating a mild TBI or concussion.
Once your doctor has determined the type and severity of your brain injury, they may recommend various treatment and rehabilitation programs that include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Drugs such as anti-anxiety medication, anticoagulants, and antidepressants
- Counseling
- Rest
- Rehabilitation therapies, including occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Brain surgery
What Are Tips For Reducing the Risk of Brain Injury?
The best treatment for any type of brain injury is prevention. Some of the actions you can take to prevent these injuries include:
- Wear a seatbelt while driving or riding a vehicle
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Wear the right helmet when riding a motorcycle or playing sports
- Install handrails in bathrooms and stairways
- Use non-slip mats in showers
- Improve lighting in and around the house
If you sustain a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that TBIs can cause lifelong mental, physical, and behavioral problems, but therapies, medications, and surgeries can go a long way in minimizing and treating the symptoms of TBIs.
If you suffer a TBI due to another party’s fault or negligence, you don’t have to suffer alone. An experienced TBI attorney can help you receive compensation for your immediate and long-term needs.
Sources:
- Get the Facts About TBI. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed December 2023.
- Traumatic brain injury. Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed December 2023.
- Traumatic Brain Injury. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome. Johns Hopkins Hospital. Accessed December 2023.
