Causes and symptoms of TBI

People are always conscious of head injuries. It is not because a person’s head is one of the most vulnerable parts of their body, but because any head injury can cause dire results. A harsh blow to your head can lead to traumatic brain injury. It may result in memory loss, headaches, speech, motor coordination, or learning disruption. 

If you were in an accident or suffered an injury recently, you will need to visit a neurologist. The neurologists at South Valley Neurology provide neurological care for patients ages 6 and up. Their team has board-certified neurologists trained at some of the best schools and medical programs. They provide all the help you need to make a full recovery with a complete range of treatment and diagnostic services. 

However, it is good to have some knowledge about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to safeguard your head in case of any fall or accident. At the same time, to understand the importance of getting prompt medical assistance in case of such injury. In that case, here is some beneficial information about Traumatic Brain Injury.

Overview and Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury is discontinuation in the normal brain functions caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It happens when an object hits the head suddenly, pierces the skull, and breaks into the brain tissues. The injury leads to alteration in the normal brain functions such as –

• Decrease or loss of consciousness
• Loss of memory or amnesia before and after the event
• Focal neurological deficits such as loss of vision, muscle weakness, changes in speech
• Alteration in mental states such as slow thinking, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating

Traumatic brain injury can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms depending on the extent of the damage. Mild cases result in brief changes in consciousness or mental state. On the other hand, severe cases may result in coma, an extended period of unconsciousness, or even death. Some of the common TBI types are –

• Hematoma
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage
• Contusion
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
• Diffuse Axonal Injury
• Diffuse injury
• Skull fracture
• Ischemia

Causes and symptoms of TBI

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person sustains a bump or blow to the head. The severity of the symptoms depends on which part of the brain has received the blow. Type of injury is also a crucial aspect of this. The most common cause of TBI is car accidents, falls, sports, domestic violence, and work hazards. 

The collision of the brain with the inside of the skull causes tears in the nerve fibers, bleeding, brushing, and skull fracture.

If you want to know about the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, here are some of these –

• Lethargy and vomiting
• Confusion and headache
• Paralysis
• Loss of consciousness and coma
• Vision changes and dilated pupils
• The appearance of Cerebrospinal fluid through the nose and ears
• Dizziness and balance concerns
• Breathing problem 
• Slow pulse
• Cognitive difficulties

You can also notice symptoms such as a change in hearing or ringing in the ear. People can also have a slow breathing rate with increasing blood pressure and inappropriate emotional response. People also face difficulty swallowing and speech, tingling, and body numbness. Facial weakness or droopy eyelids and loss of bladder or bowel control are also some symptoms of TBI.