7 Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or someone you love experienced a traumatic brain injury, you likely have a lot of questions. We have provided a list of some of the most frequent questions about these injuries to give you the answers you need.

Otherwise known as a TBI, traumatic brain injuries occur when you suffer damage to your brain tissue. It can be caused by things like car accidents, projectiles, or even hitting your head too hard. A lack of oxygen to the brain or exposure to toxic chemicals that kill cells can also cause TBIs.

These injuries affect how your brain naturally works and will either need rest or medical intervention to heal.

Plenty of head injuries will not result in a TBI. Still, three out of four brain injuries each year will be diagnosed as mild. However, even if they are mild, those injuries have still caused damage to the brain.

See a doctor if you or someone you know are experiencing a combination of the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Confusion/dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Change in memory, behavior, or vision

A more severe TBI will come with worse symptoms, often for extended periods. In addition to the ones listed above, these include:

• Increase in head pain
• Loss of vision or increase in pupil size
• Nausea/vomiting
• Slurring/lack of bodily control
• Seizure
• Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up from sleep

Doctors use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the severity of TBIs. It measures the eye opening, visual response, and motor response of a patient as a way of determining their conscious state.

The scale ranges from 3 to 15. A response of 3 to 8 classifies as a severe injury, 9 to 12 is moderate, and 13 to 15 is mild.

Falling is the highest reported cause of brain injury at 40.5%. Following this are traffic accidents, hitting or being hit by something, unknown causes, and assaults. Sports injuries are also common causes of TBIs.

Certain age ranges run higher risks of brain injuries. From infancy to age 4, young children have an increased possibility of TBIs. Young adults aged 15 to 24 also have high instances of brain trauma, as well as adults at age 60 or older.

Yes. In fact, this is extremely common.

Research finds that 90% of people diagnosed with concussions never experienced a loss of consciousness. This is why it is crucial to be checked over by a doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms shown above. While the number is estimated, it is possible that around 30 million people are living with undiagnosed TBIs.

Behavioral changes, poor memory, and learning challenges are all potential symptoms of brain injuries. Whether the patient didn’t associate banging their head on something or was forced to keep it a secret, an undiagnosed TBI can affect one’s life in abundant, hidden ways. Even if you never lost consciousness, see a medical professional after experiencing a blow to the head.

After an occurrence of brain trauma, people often experience physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems. Because these injuries affect how the brain transmits information, they can lead to additional issues throughout the body.

Though it may take time to heal, TBI survivors are frequently able to return to how they were physically before the incident. However, they can begin to decline as they age. Patients can experience fatigue and coordination problems as time goes on due to their previous brain injury.

TBI survivors will also typically experience trouble with thinking. It can affect their ability to pay attention, remember new information, and communicate, and can increase their impulsivity. If they’re severe enough, these cognitive problems may require them to live with assistance.

As with other forms of trauma, TBI will in many cases change how a person behaves. They can experience mood swings, aggression, lethargy, or restlessness. Brain injuries can have tons of different effects on behavior, but any severe issues can often be addressed with therapy and support.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury.

Mild TBIs will generally require rest as the only treatment. The patient will need to strictly follow the healthcare professional’s advice, as not doing so will extend the healing process. Even if you or someone you know thinks they have fully healed before their resting period is over, it is best to complete the recommended time.

There are several options for treating more severe brain injuries. If the trauma was caused by a skull fracture, setting it or even removing pieces of the skull can help the brain heal. Doctors might also consider removing skull fragments if the TBI has caused the brain to swell. If there is any bleeding or clots on or around the brain, doctors will remove the excess to relieve pressure and prevent further damage.

Survivors might also be prescribed medication to soothe any of the effects on the body. Mood stabilizers, anticoagulants, and muscle relaxers are just some of the possible treatment methods a healthcare professional might recommend.

TBIs are life-impacting, but awareness of their causes and treatments can help prevent them or reduce their impact on one’s quality of life. Feel more confident navigating your condition – or that of a loved one – now that you’re more informed about traumatic brain injuries.