A traumatic brain injury can change your life in an instant. If you think that you or someone you love has suffered this kind of injury, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms as well as what you can do to get the help you, or they, need.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. It can range from a mild concussion to a severe, life-threatening injury.
There are two types of TBI: closed-head injuries and open-head injuries. Closed head injuries occur when the head hits an object but the skull does not break. Open head injuries occur when the skull gets fractured or penetrated.
What are the symptoms of TBIs?
One of the most common symptoms of a TBI is a headache. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, light sensitivity and fatigue. More severe symptoms can include seizures, loss of consciousness, slurred speech and paralysis. Additionally, catastrophic injuries like these can cause mood swings, sleep problems and memory loss.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with a TBI?
The long-term outlook for someone with a TBI depends on the severity of the injury. Milder injuries may result in only temporary symptoms that will go away over time. More severe injuries can cause lifelong problems and may even be fatal. For instance, people with severe TBIs may require 24-hour care and assistance with basic activities of daily living.
If you think that you or someone else has suffered a TBI, it’s important to seek medical help right away. The sooner the injury is treated, the better the outcome will be. Many symptoms of TBI may not be apparent immediately, so it’s important to be monitored by a medical professional.
After seeking medical attention, you need to ensure that you’re getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol are all important. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you deal with the psychological effects of the TBI.