Brain Injuries: Important Facts

Injuries can happen to the brain in a variety of ways that range from a stroke to a car accident. Injuries that are caused due to a violent blow or jolt to the head are called traumatic brain injuries or (TBIs).  Medical problems like a stroke or tumor can impact the brain and these injuries are called acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can damage nerve cells and can even cause bleeding or swelling in the brain. The good news is that most TBIs are treatable. It is important to know that traumatic brain injuries can cause physical, mental and even emotional stress. 

There are a variety of ways to injure the brain, but the most common occur because of the following:

1. Blow to the Head
   • These injuries are called closed head injuries. Common causes for these types of TBIs are sports and car accidents. Not every hit to the head will result in a TBI, but every hit to the head should be taken seriously and checked out by a doctor.
2. Shaking of the Head
   • Severe shaking of the head can cause nerve tissue to tear.
3. Penetration
   • If an object breaks thru the skull and hits the brain, this will cause an open head injury. 
4. Whiplash
   • Whiplash is the quick back and forth of the head and neck and can cause a brain injury. 

TBI Symptoms

A TBI can cause a variety of problems including the loss of consciousness, amnesia and headaches. Any type of head injury can be life-threatening, and it is important to be on the lookout for common systems such as balance problems, dizziness, headaches, nausea, seizure, slurred speech, blurred vision, vomiting, ringing in the ears, seizures, and even delayed responses to questions. It is also important to be looking for changes in the following: anxiety, memory, poor judgement, depression, sight, sound, taste, smell, and understanding. 

Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injuries are not caused by trauma but other factors like a stroke, tumor, fluid or even infection. ABIs are often caused by the brain not getting enough oxygen. They can be severe and like TBIs, they can impact movement, emotions, thinking and behavior. 

The effects of a brain injury are different for everyone. Treatment and recovery will depend on the cause of the injury, location and severity.