traumatic brain injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a blow, bump, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can range from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). TBIs can result from various incidents, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries:

• Concussion: A mild TBI caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can temporarily disrupt brain function.
• Contusion: A bruise on the brain caused by direct impact, leading to bleeding and swelling.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Damage to brain cells resulting from rapid rotational or acceleration-deceleration forces, often seen in high-speed accidents.
• Penetrating Injury: An object, such as a bullet or shrapnel, penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Brain injury that occurs at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup) due to the brain moving within the skull.
• Hematoma: Accumulation of blood within the brain or between the brain and the skull. Types include epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, and intracerebral hematoma.
• Skull Fracture: A break in the skull bone, which may or may not involve damage to the brain.

Symptoms of TBI:

Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of the injury and can be grouped into physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral categories.

Mild TBI (Concussion):

• Headache
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Mood changes or irritability

Moderate to Severe TBI:

• Persistent headache or headache that worsens
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• Inability to awaken from sleep
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or numbness in extremities
• Loss of coordination
• Profound confusion
• Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
• Loss of consciousness for an extended period