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Mild
Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) inflicts an estimated 800,000 Americans each
year. Since symptoms can take over a month to appear, MTBI is often
overlooked after an auto accident injury. MTBI can be present even if the head
was not directly hit during the accident.
Symptoms
and signs of Brain injury include:
- Dizziness
- Musculoskeletal
pain
- Headaches
- Balance
problems
- Visual
disturbances
- Hearing
problems
- Tiredness
- Coma
- Breathing Problems
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Sensitivity to light
- Decreased
attention and concentration
- Reading
problems
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Depression
and anxiety
- Sleep
disturbance
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These
signs need to be addressed promptly to decrease recovery complications.
Consequences of Brain Injury
Penetrating Brain Injury
A skull fracture can cause a tearing of the brain, resulting in rupture
of blood vessels and bleeding into the brain. Blood is toxic to the brain
surface so damage can occur that is not noticed for a few months.
Contusion
Bruising of the brain due to trauma or blood loss into brain.
Hematoma
Leaking blood collected in a confined area of brain or skull. The
description of the placement of the hematoma are subdural, epidural, or
intracerebral.
Concussion
Blow to head that can result in shearing of brain cells that may not be
able to be detected by CT scans or MRI's.
Anoxia or Hypona
Brain cell death from lack of oxygen.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
The tearing of connections of nerve fibers in brain during trauma.
Results in many symptoms of head injury.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
When head is jarred abruptly, the brain can injure itself by being bounced
back and forth off of skull cavity. This can produce 2 sites of injury on the brain.
Young Children
Although children can have the same symptoms of brain injury as adults, it is harder for
young children to let others know how they are feeling. Call your child's
doctor if your child seems to be getting worse or you notice any of the
following:
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Listlessness, tiring easily
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Irritability, crankiness
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Change in eating or sleeping patterns
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Change in the way they perform or act at school
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Lack of interest in favorite toys
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Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
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Loss of balance, unsteady walking
Older Adults
Older adult with a brain injury may have a higher risk of serious
complications such as a blood clot on the brain, headaches that get
worse or an increase in confusion are signs of complication. If these
signs occur see a doctor right away.
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