Q. What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) result from some manner of force applied to the human head. In this respect, the word trauma refers to an injury cause by a physical force applied outside of the body. A direct impact or a violent acceleration/deceleration can cause the brain to collide with the inside surface of the skull. It’s possible for someone to experience a mild or moderate concussion, but to not realize it or experience any symptoms immediately.
Q. How Can I Recognize Traumatic Brain Injury – What are the Symptoms?
A. In evaluating a potential mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (concussion), there are several common symptoms to watch for. After a car accident, fall, or bump on the head a person may have a concussion or brain injury if they experience any of the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Desire to Sleep or Abnormal Sleep Patterns
- Lack of Concentration
- Impaired Memory / Confusion
- Loss of Consciousness
- Speech Impairment / Slurring
- Trouble Focusing / Concentrating
- Blurry Vision
- Impulsiveness / Vocal Outbursts
- Abnormal Irritability
- Increased frustration / temper
- Emotional Instability – Sudden Mood Swings
- Abrupt Personality Changes / Depression
Q. How do Hospitals and Doctors Check for Traumatic Brain Injury?
A. Screening for TBI can consist of a battery of different tests and evaluations. Generally, an initial consult will consist of a doctor asking a patient several questions about his/her health, many of which could pertain to the symptoms listed above and any recent accidents or known blows to the head. Positive screening results may lead to further testing which may include:
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Computerized Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Intracranial Pressure Monitor
Q. Is there anything I can do to Help Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury?
A. The US Center for Disease Control and Injury Prevention, as well as the Mayo Clinic, states that many occurrences of TBI can be reduced through basic safety precautions. In seniors, the leading causes of traumatic brain injury are falls or slip and fall accidents. Traumatic brain injury is most preventable among the elderly through simple supervision and by making small changes around the home.
- To help prevent falls around the home, especially for older adults:
- Install handrails in bathrooms
- Place a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower
- Avoid or remove area rugs
- Install handrails on both sides of staircases
- Keep stairs and walkways free of clutter
- All motorcyclists and bicyclists should wear helmets at all times
- Helmets should also be worn by children and adults while skating, skateboarding, skiing, and playing contact sports
- Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles are advised to wear seat belts at all times
- Never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive
- Supervise children while swimming. Only dive into in-ground pools designed specifically for diving at the designated diving area with a depth of 9 feet or deeper. Do not allow children to run near a swimming pool.
- Making living areas safer for children:
- Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
References:
Mayo Clinic Website – Traumatic Brain Injury
Department of Veterans Affairs – TBI Symptoms & Screening
Northeastern University – Types of TBI
CDC (1)
