What Is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Integrative Care for Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Sufferers in Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando, Florida
What Is
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), or concussion, is caused by injury to soft structures in the brain, often resulting in long-term consequences. It can occur when the head sustains a sudden impact, such as a fall or a sports injury, or when the head is involved in a forceful motion, such as whiplash experienced in a car accident. The brain is one of the most important organs in our body, and any damage can have significant and long-lasting effects.
Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury
Signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, symptoms may be subtle and may not appear until hours or even days after the injury. Some of the common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in mood or behavior
In more severe cases, traumatic brain injury can cause additional symptoms, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or even coma.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that often occurs due to a blow to the head or a sudden jolt or impact. Some of the common symptoms of concussion include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time.
It’s also important to note that the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury and concussion can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience a combination of several. Additionally, the severity of the symptoms can also vary.
The signs of traumatic brain injury may be misdiagnosed as mental illness. This is because you could suffer from internal changes as you look and act normal. These changes in the brain predispose you to depression, anxiety, and other issues that affect mental wellness.
Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis
Unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is widely underdiagnosed. While major trauma to the brain is obvious enough, mild TBI may not be apparent on diagnostic imaging. This can include MRI and CT scans, leaving you unaware that your symptoms are a concussion.
For example, you may be seemingly unscathed in a car accident but have sustained a mild TBI due to whiplash. Or, you can maintain a TBI while participating in contact sports due to a fall, a tackle, or a collision with another player.
Traumatic brain injury can result in a brief change in mental status, such as confusion, disorientation, and/or loss of consciousness. This typically lasts less than 30 minutes. When those symptoms subside, you may believe the concussion does not need further treatment. However, symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after a brain injury. They can also last for years when left untreated.
Risk factors for TBI
Among TBI-related deaths in 2013:1
- Rates were highest for persons 75 years of age and older.
- The leading cause of TBI-related death varied by age.
– Falls were the leading cause of death for persons 65 years of age or older.
– Intentional self-harm was the leading cause of death for persons 25-64 years of age.
– Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for persons 5-24 years of age.
– Assaults were the leading cause of death for children ages 0-4 years.
Among non-fatal TBI-related injuries in 2013:1
- Hospitalization rates were highest among persons 75 years of age and older.
- Rates of ED visits were highest for persons 75 years of age and older and children 0-4 years of age.
- Falls were the leading cause of TBI-related ED visits for all but one age group.
- Being struck by or against an object was the leading cause of TBI-related ED visits for persons 15 to 24 years of age.
- The leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations varied by age:
- Falls were the leading cause among children 0-14 years of age and adults 45 years of age and older.
- Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of hospitalizations for adolescents and persons 15-44 years of age.
TBI Treatment
The treatment for TBI depends on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, rest and pain management may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, hospitalization may be required, and the patient may need surgery to relieve pressure on the brain or to repair any damage to the skull. Rehabilitation may also be necessary to help the patient regain their cognitive and physical abilities.
Early detection and diagnosis are among the most important aspects of treating TBI. The symptoms of TBI may not be immediately apparent, and it can take days or even weeks for them to develop fully. That’s why seeking medical attention is important if you experience any symptoms after a head injury.
Brain mapping and QEEG testing can be valuable tools in diagnosing and treating TBI. Brain mapping is a non-invasive technique using specialized equipment that measures the electrical activity in the brain to create a detailed brain activity map. This can help doctors identify areas of the brain that may have been affected by the injury and develop a more targeted treatment plan. This can help doctors identify any abnormal patterns associated with TBI and develop a more accurate diagnosis. QEEG testing can also monitor the patient’s progress during rehabilitation and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, don't hesitate to seek medical attention and get the care you need. Early detection and diagnosis are key to successful treatment. Brain mapping and QEEG testing are valuable tools that can help doctors identify the areas of the brain affected by the injury and develop a more targeted treatment plan.
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