Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Introduction

The brain is one of the most important and influential organs in the entire human body. It’s essentially the nerve center of the body, responsible for conducting the many processes that occur throughout one’s systems and organs, as well as controlling movement, influencing emotions, storing memories, and allowing us to learn, think, feel, and act.

Unfortunately, the brain is also one of the most delicate organs in the body too, able to suffer severe symptoms from even the most minor bumps and knocks. The body itself protects the brain with layers of liquid and the skull, one of the strongest bones of all, but this fragile organ can still be prone to injuries in situations like automobile collisions or sporting accidents.

In many cases, bumps, blows, and impacts to the head can result in traumatic brain injuries. Also known as TBI, this type of injury can vary in severity and lead to a wide range of potential symptoms. This guide will look at some of the primary causes of TBIs, as well as exploring some of their symptoms and ways in which they can be prevented.

Causes of TBI

There are a lot of different possible causes of a TBI. These injuries are most commonly caused by impacts to the head, and there are many situations in which the skull might get hit, strike an obstacle or item around it, or simply get shaken very violently, leading to the brain actually moving around inside and colliding with the bone itself. Here are some common causes of these injuries:

• Auto Accidents – Auto accidents are one of the primary causes of TBIs. Drivers and passengers are often flung forwards when collisions occur and may bang their heads against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat in front of them. After accidents, it’s important to seek medical help and carry out neurological checks before conducting any other essential business like filing insurance claims or contacting a lawyer to handle your case.
• Sporting Collisions – It’s also quite common for TBIs to happen on the sporting field of play. Contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey commonly lead to these kinds of injuries, as players are prone to tackling and colliding with one another as they play. This is why helmets are so important when playing sport and it’s vital for all players to understand the rules and play fairly.
• Abuse and Violence – TBIs may also be incurred if one person is punched, kicked, or struck with an object in the head. This can happen in incidents of domestic abuse or assault, as well as during other violent crimes. These injuries may also arise if a person is pushed over, falling onto the floor, or down some stairs.

Symptoms of TBI

There are lots of different possible symptoms that can appear when someone suffers a TBI. In the immediate aftermath of the accident or incident that led to the injury, the person may lose consciousness and remain unconscious for an extended period of time, or just a few seconds in some cases.

People with TBIs can later suffer lots of pain and headaches, as well as other common symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, a sensation of nausea, sickness, and a loss of balance. In more serious cases, the symptoms can start to get worse.

Those suffering from severe TBIs can have to cope with cognitive problems of all kinds, including memory loss, slurred speech, an inability to perform simple tasks, loss of mobility, and more, as well as seizures, convulsions, persistent migraines, and the risk of mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety too.

Preventative Measures for TBIs

TBIs can be some of the most life-changing injuries a person can experience, and while they’re impossible to predict, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risks of them occurring:

• Buckling up and making use of signals and mirrors while driving
• Avoiding distracted driving and maintaining focus on the road
• Wearing helmets and safety gear while playing sports
• Installing safety measures around the home like non-slip mats in the bathtub to avoid falls
• Exercise and a healthy diet contribute to general strength and brain health

Conclusion

A TBI can be a terrible injury, and people of all ages are at risk of TBIs when carrying out even the simplest of tasks like driving to work or playing a game of basketball with their friends. Make sure you understand the risks and take all necessary preventative measures to keep yourself and those around you safe.

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.