A traumatic brain Injury (TBI) results from direct blow, violent force, or other trauma to the head. A direct impact or a violent acceleration/deceleration can cause the brain to collide with the inside surface of the skull. Certain forces may also cause the brain to expand and contract violently (like a delicate sponge), causing brain tissue to shear or tear. Traumatic brain injury can range from mild (concussions) to severe (open / penetrating injuries).
It’s possible for someone to experience a mild or moderate concussion, but to not realize it or experience any symptoms immediately. Blast shockwaves or other strong forces may also produce diagonal or longitudinal torsion (twisting) of the brain, or a penetrating object, such as a bullet, may physically damage brain tissue along the path travelled. Each of these forms of trauma can cause the brain to rupture, swell, bruise or bleed. Medically speaking, there are two types of traumatic brain injury:
- Closed TBI: This is the most common type of brain injury. This is defined by a non-penetrating blow to the head and is most commonly experienced as a concussion. Nearly 75 percent of all TBIs involve some form of concussion.
- Open TBI: Typically a more severe injury and applies to any case in which the skull is broken or penetrated and the brain is physically damaged by the object or by broken skull fragments being push into the brain.
What are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
In evaluating a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (concussion), there are several common symptoms to watch for. After a traffic accident, a fall, or a bump on the head, a person may have a concussion or other TBI if he/she exhibits any of the following symptoms – either immediately or a few hours or days after an accident:
- Abnormal Irritability
- Abrupt Personality Changes / Depression
- Blurry Vision
- Desire to Sleep or Abnormal Sleep Pattern
- Dizziness
- Emotional Instability – Sudden Mood Swings
- Headache
- Impaired Memory / Confusion
- Impulsiveness / Vocal Outbursts
- Increased frustration / temper
- Lack of Concentration
- Loss of Consciousness
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Speech Impairment / Slurring
- Trouble Focusing / Concentrating
Who is Most at Risk for Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that children are more at risk for traumatic brain injury due to regular physical play and participation in youth sports. Babies and toddlers are susceptible due to underdeveloped skulls and balance abilities. The elderly (especially those in nursing homes) are at risk due to age-diminished strength, balance, and bone frailty.
- Nearly 18 percent of all TBI-related emergency department visits involve small children ages four and under
- Approximately 22 percent of all TBI-related hospitalizations involve senior citizens ages 75 and older, with at least 75 percent from this group living in nursing homes
- Males make up the majority of patients diagnosed and treated for TBI (59 percent)
References:
Department of Veterans Affairs – TBI Symptoms & Screening
