Brain injuries affect many people in California and across the U.S. every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injuries and death.
Brain damage can be difficult to spot, as it can take days for the symptoms to appear. Furthermore, you may confuse the signs of brain trauma with another type of illness or injury. It is important to understand the symptoms of this type of injury so you can seek the proper medical treatment.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Brain injuries occur when a sudden jolt or impact causes the soft tissue of the brain to bounce around within the skull cavity. Each hit into the hard skull bone can cause bruising and bleeding. The tissue may become inflamed within the skull cavity, causing an increase of pressure on the brain. An injury may also occur if an object pierces through the skull bone and goes into the brain tissue.
What signs should you look for?
The symptoms of brain trauma may vary depending on the affected area and the severity of the hit. According to the CDC, signs of a mild injury may include a headache, trouble concentrating, dizziness and disruption in sleep patterns. Moderate to severe cases could include the following:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Muscle weakness and tingling in the hands or feet
- Trouble hearing, speaking, seeing or communicating
- Lapses in memory
- Trouble problem solving, organizing or learning
- Nausea and vomiting
It is important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment often involves an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including occupational therapists, physicians, speech therapists and psychologists. After making a diagnosis, the team can help you repair the damage.
