Anything from minor head injuries that require no hospitalization to skull fractures to severe injuries where oxygen temporarily stops reaching the brain are categorized as traumatic brain injuries. Statistically, a TBI is the injury most likely to result in death or permanent disability.
Because TBI covers such a wide range of injuries, its effects, symptoms, and prognoses vary. Each year, minor incidents of TBI happen to more than 1 one million people in the United States. These minor injuries result in the treatment and release from hospital emergency departments. Another 230,000 people are hospitalized each year with TBIs. Of these people, 99,000 will show a lasting disability.
TBIs happen to males twice as often as they do to females, with males 15 to 24 years of age having the highest risk. This risk of TBIs also increases after age 60.
The most common cause of TBI is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for almost half of all TBIs that require hospitalization. Sports or physical activity is the second most common cause, and assaults are third. For those who are over age 65, falls are the number one cause. Although they only make up a small number of the overall cases of TBI, the number of these injuries resulting from gunshot wounds has increased in recent years. Of these, nearly two-thirds are categorized as suicide attempts.
Any type of TBI — no matter how minor it might appear — should be taken seriously. If there is any loss of consciousness, no matter how brief, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if unconsciousness does not occur, the several hours that follow the injury are still very important and you should watch for the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Increased drowsiness
- Change in pupils
- Confusion about the time or date
- Memory loss
If any of these symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately, for they could mean that the brain is bleeding or swelling.
The effects of a TBI vary in scope from full recovery to severe disability. For those who suffer a more severe TBI, gradual improvements in function can continue for up to 10 years after the injury. The most common impairing injuries affect three main aspects of a patient’s life:
- Cognition : concentration, memory, judgment, mood, comprehension, and reasoning
- Movement abilities : strength, coordination, balance
- Sensation : tactile sensation and special sense, especially vision
Some patients with TBIs will experience behavioral effects, too, such as agitation, irritability, verbal or physical aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. Occasionally, a TBI will result in seizure disorder (epilepsy).
If a TBI is suspected, the doctor will run a series of tests on the brain that can detect both physical changes in the brain, as well as function.
Prevention and management
While not all TBIs can be prevented, measures can be taken to reduce the risk of the injury. People who ride motorcycles without a helmet have twice the risk of TBIs than those who do wear helmets. Along the same lines, it is estimated that between 74 percent and 85 percent of all bicycle-related head injuries could be prevented with helmets. Airbags in cars have also been shown to reduce the number of TBIs.
Recovery and management of TBIs are different for each individual injury. Regardless of the degree of injury, familial support is essential. Depending on the injury's severity, the health care team can involve nurses, neurologists, physicians, physical therapists, and the help of many other health care professionals.
Like any other condition, education about one’s injury and the help of local support groups can be the greatest tools for managing TBIs and preventing further complications. The following organization can provide additional information about TBIs:
Brain Injury Association of America
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 611
McLean, VA 22102
(800) 444-6443
http://www.biausa.org/
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/27/2007
