Every day we tend to learn something new, and for today’s topic, we have chosen the causes for traumatic brain injury. Not a lot of us are really familiar with this term, but that is why we are here. We are going to explain the simple definition of traumatic brain injury, the causes, and the most commonly used treatment options for this condition. And if you ask us why we chose this exact topic, our answer would be very simple – the latest statistics show that approximately 1.7 million people are asking for help because of traumatic brain injury that made us draw a lot more attention to this topic now.
Traumatic brain injury is the cause of a lot of deaths as well, and we do consider that by sharing some key facts about this condition, we will help you to understand how important it is to ask for help when you notice even one of the following symptoms. Let’s see what we have to offer you.
What is the Definition of Traumatic Brain Injury?
By definition, traumatic brain injury is a disruption of the normal brain function due to a certain trauma that has happened to the brain. Unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is very common because it is very simple to be caused. Among all people, it is the children and the older people that are at the highest risk for traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury cannot be prevented by simply eating some of the best brain foods. A traumatic brain injury requires patience and knowledge in order to be prevented.
What causes traumatic brain injury?
A Brain Concussion
This occurs due to a hard hit or fall on the head. What may actually happen is trauma and shock, although in most cases you might not lose consciousness. However, you will probably feel a bit dazed and confused, and you might feel a need to vomit.
A Brain Contusion
This is very dangerous because it does not always cause visible signs that the people around you can notice easily. What it does is internal bleeding in the brain which causes your brain to swell. The swelling itself will cause certain symptoms such as loss of consciousness, headache, insomnia, and difficulty in concentrating. Brain injury memory loss is also very common in the case of a brain contusion. If left untreated, the swelling can cause dangerous, irreversible brain changes.
A Skull Fracture
This occurs when a strong external mechanical force hits the skull, then a fracture among the bones of the skull occurs. Some of the bone fragments often get stuck in the brain and cause not only bleeding, but dangerous brain trauma to occur.
An Intracranial Hematoma
This is simply defined as bleeding in the space between the brain and the skull. We already talked about this when we mentioned the brain contusion. The most dangerous thing about an intracranial hematoma is the fact that it can stay undetected for days and then cause sudden death. This is why it is essential to go to your doctor if you fell and hit your head just to check if there is something wrong or not.
A Facial Hematoma
Unlike the intracranial hematoma, this one is defined as external bleeding that occurs outside the skull. Most commonly, it either forms a bump on your scalp or forehead or it causes a characteristic black eye to appear because of all the blood that is collected under your skin.
What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?There are mild and more severe symptoms. Among the mild symptoms we will mention nausea, dizziness, headache, blurry vision, pain in the neck, ringing in the ears and loss of consciousness. As for the more severe symptoms, there are long-lasting nausea, lasting headache, trouble walking and speaking, seizures, and dilated pupils. Now let’s see if some of the best nootropics can help you treat your traumatic brain injury.
What is the course of treatment for traumatic brain injury?
After physical and neurological exams are performed, and a traumatic brain injury has been diagnosed, a proper course of treatment is set. The first step is to prevent any further damages, and that is completed by maintaining your blood pressure and stabilizing your injury. Mild brain injuries are commonly treated by getting lots of rest in the next few days, drinking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter medications to treat your headaches and neck pains. However, the more severe types of brain injury require surgery and therapy. Physical therapy and occupational therapy afterward can help you return to your normal lifestyle as much as possible and as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Traumatic brain injury is a difficult condition that it is always better for you to prevent it than to treat it. Defined as an injury that occurs when a strong physical, mechanical force is applied to your skull, the traumatic brain injury shows signs that you should notice and treated as soon as possible. After a diagnosis is set and the treatment plan is up and running, these patients can lead a normal life. Please do try to prevent any unwanted falls and hits to your head, and whenever these unwanted hits or falls do occur, make sure that you consult your doctor so that any symptoms can be diagnosed and treated in the right way. Do not risk your life.
