Are you surprised to learn that one of every 60 Americans has a permanent brain injury? That’s over 5.3 million people in the U.S. coping with a life-long disability. This isn’t a one-time event but a permanent condition.
Often people don’t receive proper diagnoses, treatment, or funding for their care. Others don’t understand their behavior. This may result in isolation, homelessness, and legal issues.
Do you know the difference between Traumatic Brain Injury vs concussion? Public education promotes prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and assistance. Keep reading to learn more about these types of brain damage.
Brain Injury Causes
Falling is the most common cause of TBI and is often associated with sports. Domestic violence, child abuse, and vehicle collisions also cause many TBIs. Other examples include blast injuries and gun/knife trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injury vs Concussion
Any brain injury due to trauma is called Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The brain damage results from a sudden impact to the head. The specific injury Depends on specific circumstances and forces.
Closed Brain Injury
This describes an event that doesn’t break the skull but damages the brain. The following gives examples of this injury.
Brain Contusion
A contusion is a bruise. Mild brain bleeding can cause a brain contusion.
Sometimes the body can stop the bleeding. Other times, patients need surgery to stop it.
Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury
This involves the head hitting something and bouncing back and hitting the other side. The brain gets slammed back and forth inside the skull. Brain trauma includes scraping and tearing of tissues and vessels.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Violent brain movement can tear the brain at the brain stem. This may cause a microscopic tear or large separation which is often fatal.
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)
If a second injury happens before the first one heals, SIS or recurrent TBI may develop. Healing brain tissue is fragile and easily injured.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Vigorously shaking infants or toddlers can cause a diffuse axonal injury. Broken blood vessels and brain/brain stem tears result in hemorrhaging and strokes. This causes permanent brain damage or death.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
A penetrating brain injury means something penetrates the skull. Anything that enters the brain can cause significant injury or death.
Concussion
Concussions describe mild TBIs. It’s important to undergo a focused assessment, diagnosis, and treatment as needed.
Most individuals recover with prescribed brain rest. Concussions can range from mild to severe. Today, medical professionals know that even a concussion can lead to life-long issues.
Individuals who suffer repeated concussions often develop concussion-related syndromes. One example is chronic traumatic encephalopathy or brain swelling.
Brain Injury Symptoms
A person suffering a brain injury may or may not lose consciousness. Symptoms can include the following.
- Agitation
- Bad taste
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Poor coordination
- Restlessness
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep problems
Others have trouble concentrating, thinking, staying focused, or with memory. More severe symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and slurred speech. If the person’s pupils enlarge or you can’t wake them, seek medical care immediately.
Brain damage and personality change are now recognized as significant neuropsychiatric responses. Many patient complaints are subjective and not found on examination.
In severe cases, it impacts daily activities and relationships. These changes may resolve in time or become permanent. Proper care and support are essential.
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