Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head. Also, if the head is suddenly and violently hit by an object or when the object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
These are signs of the alteration of normal brain function. Loss of or decreased consciousness. Loss of memory for events before or after the event, also known as amnesia. Focal neurological deficits such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, change in speech. A change in mental state such as disorientation, slow thinking or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain.
Here are some annual brain injury facts. One million Americans are treated and released from hospital emergency departments because of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive. Facts indicate that 80,000 people are estimated to be discharged from the hospital with some TBI-related disability, while 50,000 people will die.
An estimated 5.3 million Americans are living today with disability related to traumatic brain injury. Most studies indicate that males are far more likely to incur a TBI as females. The highest rate of injury occurs in between the ages of 15-24 years. Persons under the age of 5 or over the age of 75 are also at higher risk.
TBI symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, headache, confusion, paralysis, coma, loss of consciousness, slow pulse, dizziness with balance concerns, breathing problems, dilated pupils, vision changes which could be blurred vision, seeing double, unable to tolerate bright light and or loss of eye movement and blindness. Other symptoms include Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is clear or blood-tinged appearing from the ears or nose. A low breathing rate with an increase in blood pressure. Ringing in the ears or changes in hearing. Cognitive difficulties, inappropriate emotional responses, speech difficulties, difficulty swallowing, body numbness or
tingling, droopy eyelid or facial weakness and loss of bowel control or bladder control.
Traumatic Brain Injuries can cause mass lesions with an area of localized injury, such as hematomas and contusions that increase pressure within the brain. There are different types of sequelae developed from TBIs, such as a contusion, intracerebral hemorrhage, hematoma, diffuse Injury, diffuse axonal injury, ischemia and skull fractures.
Anyone with signs of moderate or severe TBI should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Providers will try to stabilize an individual with TBI and focus on preventing further injury. A computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) is the gold standard for the radiological assessment of a TBI patient. A CT scan is easy to perform and an excellent test for detecting the presence of blood and fractures.
Many patients with moderate or severe head injuries head directly from the emergency room to the operating room. In many cases, surgery is performed to remove a large hematoma or contusion that is significantly compressing the brain or raising the pressure within the skull. After surgery, these patients will be under observation in the intensive care unit.
Here are some general ways to prevent head injuries. Always wear a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. You should never drive while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or ride as a passenger with anyone who is under the influence. Be sure to keep firearms unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe, and store ammunition in a separate, secure location. Remove any hazards in the home that may contribute to falls. Secure rugs and loose electrical cords, put away toys, use safety gates and install window guards. Lastly, it’s a good idea to install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.
If you believe we can help, please give us a call at 772-932-9310 to schedule an appointment. You can also find us at www.hobesoundprimarycare.com. We look forward to being of service to you!