What Is a TBI? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Explained

One of the most traumatic incidents to go through is a TBI. So what is TBI? Otherwise known as traumatic brain injury, this serious condition is responsible for affecting millions across the globe every year. Whether it is a small bump or a severe head injury, TBI can have a dramatic impact on your personal and cognitive health. So, how do you avoid these types of injuries? We asked the experts.

Type of traumatic brain injuries

Depending on the nature of the injury, there are several ways to categorize traumatic brain injury. Here are some of the most common brain injuries that providers fear.

Penetrating TBI

One of the most lethal types of traumatic brain injury, penetrating TBIs occurs when any foreign object penetrates the skull and directly damages brain tissue. These types of injuries can be quite serious and range from gunshots, stabbing, or incidents involving sharp objects. Doctors sometimes call it open TBIs, as parts of the skull are broken, exposing the brain tissues.

Blunt TBI

Often dubbed as closed head injuries, these types of TBI generally occur when external forces strike the head without breaking the skull. You can also think of these as a type of blunt force trauma that is quite common with car accidents. Other common contributors to blunt TBIs also include sports injuries, slips and falls, and sometimes even physical altercations. Such accidents can be quite harmful since they cause the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull, leading to long term damage if not treated early.

Mild TBI

Does the word mild conjure something much less serious? Mild TBIs can still have significant effects. Typically, a mild traumatic brain injury is referred to as a concussion where the person loses consciousness for some time due to a blow to the head. Symptoms for Mild TBIs can be quite subtle and might even go overlooked in some cases. But remember that if these are not managed properly, they can have a lasting impact on health.

Moderate or severe TBI

These kinds of TBIs often involve more significant brain damage and will require immediate medical attention. Moderate and severe TBI can lead to unconsciousness for prolonged periods, memory loss, and other major complications like severe cognitive impairment. Do note that these kinds of injuries are responsible for more of a permanent change to the brain function and can be very dangerous if not treated. Lethal in some cases.

Symptoms and causes

The severity of the symptoms is going to be highly dependent on the type of TBI. From something as mild as a headache to life-threatening conditions, none of the symptoms should be taken lightly and should be immediately reported to a doctor.

Mild TBI symptoms

These can be quite vague and subtle. Perhaps this is why mild TBI symptoms go unnoticed by many. The most common ones include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. Many people have also reported confusion and memory loss. While these might not be super obvious at first, but slowly over time these can evolve and become chronic.

Moderate or severe TBI symptoms

Compared to the symptoms of mild TBIs, the head injury symptoms of moderate and severe TBI manifest much more prominently. People have noted loss of consciousness, weakness in the limbs, loss of balance, and more. These are much more pronounced and are often accompanied by sensory changes. In severe cases, people may suffer seizures or even coma. It is important to note that apart from the more prominent head injury symptoms, emotional and behavioral changes might also occur. Moderate and severe TBIs are more likely to cause chronic complications, including increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s, CTE or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or PTSD in some cases.

Traumatic brain injury long term effects

Fingers crossed that you do not have to go through this ordeal. In case you are one of the unlucky ones, it is very important to remember that the long term effects can be profound if not treated. Without medical support and guidance, chronic symptoms are much more likely to pop up. Severe cases might even lead to permanent disabilities. If you are dealing with such consequences, it is always the right choice to consult an expert for traumatic brain injuries.

Treatment and management

For milder TBIs, the treatments are generally focused on symptom management and rest. Treatment for severe TBIs will require immediate medical intervention and often leads to surgeries to repair skull fractures, remove blood clots, or even relieve pressure on the brain. After the acute phase, rehabilitation therapies become crucial to regain lost functions. In case you or a loved one of yours had the bad luck of dealing with a TBI, it is vital to work with experts to find the best discourse. There are also other professionals like expert lawyers for traumatic brain injuries who are there to assist you in case the injury is due to someone else’s negligence. The right legal advice helps protect your rights even during the toughest times.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injuries can be life altering and no one can deny that. The impact can be debilitating. Consult your doctor to find the best medical discourse and expert lawyers for traumatic brain injuries to understand your legal rights and get the compensation that you deserve. So, contact now.

FAQs

What are the best ways to prevent TBIs? While there is no foolproof option of completely eliminating the risk of TBIs, you can take a few proactive measures to minimize the probability. Small steps like wearing protective gear when playing sports, wearing a seatbelt while driving, and reducing fall hazards at home can go a long way to prevent TBIs. When should I contact a TBI expert? Consult a doctor immediately after a head injury. The more time you waste, the more serious it might get. And consulting our experts helps you to get the legal process of compensation out of the way so you can focus more on recovering. Can a traumatic brain injury affect mental health? Yes. In fact, many have reported feeling anxious or depressed. Mood swings are particularly prominent after a TBI. In some cases, cognitive issues like memory loss can also be observed.