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TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Mental Health, Psychological Disorders / By

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs as a result of an injury to the brain from an external mechanical force.

  • The degree of damage depends on the force of impact, the part of the brain affected, whether it is in a specific location or over a widespread area, and the extent of the damage.
  • Traumatic brain injury may be mild or severe.
  • Mild traumatic brain injury may cause a temporary effect on the brain cells.
  • Severe traumatic brain injury may lead to bleeding, torn tissue, bruising and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can lead to serious complications such as permanent disability, or even death.
  • It is the major cause of disability and death in young children and adults worldwide.
  • Anyone who receives an injury to the head, however mild, should seek medical attention immediately.

CAUSES

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a sudden violent blow or jolt to the head or any injury that disrupts normal brain function. The cerebrospinal fluid around the brain acts as a cushion for the brain. This fluid is located inside the skull and provides basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull. A violent blow or jolt to the head can push the brain against the inner walls of the skull, this can lead to tearing of fibers and bleeding in and around the brain

The leading cause of traumatic brain injury include:

  • Fall: Fall might be from ladder, bed, and staircase or in the bath.
  • Violence: Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and other common assaults
  • Sports injuries: Sports such as boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer and other high-impact sports. This is common among youths
  • Collision with either a moving or stationary object
  • Motor-vehicle accidents
  • Industrial accidents.

SYMPTOMS

Traumatic brain injury may be mild or severe and may result in physical, cognitive, and sensory symptoms.

MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Physical symptoms may include:

  • A headache
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of balance
  • Temporary confusion
  • Temporary loss of consciousness or Dizziness
  • Speech problem

Cognitive symptoms may include:

Mood swings

Anxiety

Concentration or memory problem

Sensory symptoms may include:

Blurred vision

Ringing in the ears

Sound or light sensitivity

 

SEVERE TRAUMATIC INJURY

Physical symptoms may include:

Recurrent vomiting or nausea

Loss of consciousness which may last for several minutes or hours

Seizure

Fluids draining from the nose or ears

Numbness in toes or fingers, arms

Loss of coordination

Persistent headaches

Dilated eyes

Inability to awake from sleep

Cognitive or mental symptoms may include:

Agitation

Slurred speech

Profound confusion

Inability to remember what happened before or after the incident

IN CHILDREN, symptoms may include

  • Change in sleeping pattern
  • Loss of balance
  • Irritability and crying
  • Seizures
  • Changes in playing behavior
  • Refusal to eat
  • Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Traumatic brain injury is an emergency and may need rapid diagnosis and treatment to avoid life-threatening complications.

GLASGOW COMA SCALE

This test is used to evaluate the likelihood and initial severity of a brain injury. This is done to assess a person’s verbal and physical response and how easily they can open their eyes.  It is a 15-point score given according to the person’s response. A brain injury will be classified as minor if the score is 13 or more, moderate if the score is from 9 to 12, and severe if the score is 8 or less.

IMAGING SCANS

This may include CT scan and MRI, this will help to visualize the brain and check if there is any damage or injury, and where.

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY that measures the electrical activity in the brain.

INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITOR, this enables the doctor to measure the pressure inside the skull. Tissue swelling from a traumatic brain injury may elevate pressure inside the skull, which can cause additional damage to the brain.

TREATMENT

For mild traumatic brain injury treatment usually includes rest and over-the-counter pain relief for headaches. However, a person with a mild traumatic brain injury may need to have follow-up doctor appointments to be monitored for any worsening or new symptoms.

More severe cases will require hospitalization possibly with intensive care.

Medications may be needed to help with symptoms. Medications such as diuretics, sedation, pain relief, anti-seizure drugs, and coma-inducing medications may be used.

Surgery may be necessary in some cases. Surgery which may include repairing skull fractures, removing clotted blood, creating an opening in the skull and surgery to stop bleeding.

Treatment may also include rehabilitation. Basic skills such as walking, talking may need to be learned. The goal is to improve their abilities to perform daily tasks.