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Mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) all have symptoms that indicate their severity.
A mild TBI, or concussion (clinically described as a closed brain injury) is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While described as mild, this type of brain injury is still potentially serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Mild TBI or concussion can also be caused by a hit to the body where the head and brain move quickly back and forth.
A sudden movement of the head can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. This rebound can also stretch and damage brain cells, and prompt chemical changes in the brain.
Physical symptoms of a mild TBI may include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Fatigue and drowsiness are other physical symptoms of mild TBI, as is a sensation of dizziness and loss of balance. Problems with speech may also be apparent.
A concussion can also induce sensory symptoms, things like blurred vision and ringing in the ears. Changes in the ability to smell is another potential symptom.
A mild TBI may also result in sensitivity to light or sound.
Experiencing a mild TBI may result in temporary loss of consciousness, a few seconds perhaps or even a few minutes. Subsequently, a patient may suffer memory or concentration problems, and feelings of depression or anxiety. Difficulty sleeping is another symptom.
In a worst-case scenario, a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury is clinically described as a penetrating brain injury—open head trauma that results in a break in the skull.
Typical signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe TBI can include all those related to mild TBI. A loss of consciousness of several minutes to hours typifies a more serious head trauma.
Persistent headache or one that worsens is indicative of moderate-to-severe TBI. Repeated vomiting or nausea, plus convulsions or seizures, serve as additional complications.
Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes is an indicator of moderate and severe TBI.
Similarly, weakness or numbness in fingers and toes can be indicative of a moderate-to-severe head injury.
Mild-to-severe TBI can also result in difficulty waking from sleep and a loss of coordination.
This level of brain trauma can result in profound confusion compounded by agitation, combativeness, and irrational behavior.
Moderate-to-severe TBI often results in problems concentrating. It can also interfere with communication and learning skills.
Crying more than usual can indicate a TBI in babies and young children. A tangible indicator is their loss of interest in favorite toys and activities. Infants might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion, and similar symptoms, so a prompt medical examination is vital in order to ascertain any problem and reach a diagnosis.
There are numerous causes of head injury in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls lead to nearly half of the TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States.
Motor vehicle crashes and assaults are other common ways a person may suffer a TBI.
Sadly, confirms the CDC, a self-inflicted gunshot wound is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States.
According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. In football, brain injuries account for 65% to 95% of all fatalities.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most studies suggest that once brain cells are destroyed or damaged, they rarely regenerate.
However, recovery after a mild TBI can take place, especially in younger people. This is due to the fact that in some cases, other areas of the brain make up for the injured tissue.
In fact, patients with mild head injury tend to do very well. And while they may experience headaches, dizziness, irritability, or similar symptoms, these gradually improve in most cases, states the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Patients with a moderate TBI fare less well. According to the AANS, around 60% will make a positive recovery, with an estimated 25% left with a certain degree of disability.
Death or a persistent vegetative state will be the outcome in about 7-10% of moderate TBI cases.
The prognosis for those with severe TBI is grim. Only 25-33% of patients enjoy positive outcomes. Sadly, many don't survive.
The good news is that most head injuries are not serious. But in the wake of any trauma to this part of the body, it's absolutely essential to make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.
If the injury is more severe, or if symptoms persist or worsen, then you'll require prompt medical attention in an ER.
See also: The most painful injuries and conditions humans can experience
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HEALTH Accidents
According to Brain Line, an estimated 2.8 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Of these, 50,000 die, while 282,000 are hospitalized. However, 2.5 million, nearly 90%, are treated and released from an emergency department. A TBI can be classified as mild (concussion), moderate, or severe, with each displaying symptoms that indicate their severity. A TBI should never be ignored, not even a bump on the head, because it affects how the brain works. So, what causes a TBI, how are symptoms recognized, and when does an injury become a medical emergency?
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