Traumatic brain injury can have a wide range of physical and psychological effects, often making it difficult to immediately identify. Usually, traumatic brain injury results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. It can also be caused by penetration of brain tissue from a foreign substance or a piece of bone.
According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injury can range from mild to severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries tend to have short-term affects, while more severe tend to have sustaining long-term injuries or death.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
- Falls, typically from a height
- Vehicle-related collisions
- Violence
- Sports injuries
- Explosive blasts and other combat injuries
People Most at Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury
- Children, especially newborns to four years old
- Young adults, especially between 15 and 24 years old
- Adults age 60 and older
- Males in any age group
Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- State of being dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems with speech
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping more than normal
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in mouth
- Changes in sense of smell
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Feelings of depression or anxiousness
Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Clear fluid draining from nose or ears
- Inability to wake from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Profound confusion
- Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
- Coma and other disorders of consciousness
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
- Change in nursing or eating habits
- Unusual or easy irritability
- Persistent crying and inability to be consoled
- Change in ability to pay attention
- Change in sleep habits
- Seizures
- Sad or depressed mood
- Drowsiness
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
These causes and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries are just an overview. Always see a doctor if a blow to the head or body causes concern or behavioral changes. With 1.7 million Americans suffering a brain injury each year, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for. Traumatic brain injury is the fourth leading cause of death, with a brain injury occurring every 21 seconds. Men between the ages of 14-24 have the highest risk of brain injury.
Treatment from a traumatic brain injury varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild traumatic brain injuries usually require no treatment other than rest, over-the-counter pain reliever, and close monitoring by a caregiver. Moderate to severe injuries will often need medical care and monitoring. Medications, surgery, and rehabilitation could be necessary to ensure the best recovery possible.