A serious injury may cause a range of serious physical effects. When a person receives a blow to the head caused by great force during a fall or in a car accident, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur.
While the outcome of TBI can vary from person to person, many accident victims require medical treatment and therapy to restore their previous function and ability. Here are a few essential facts to consider about TBI in case you or someone you love experiences an injury.
Causes of TBI
Anything that causes a blow to the head can result in TBI. In addition to falls and car accidents, they can result from sports injuries, violent assaults, and other occurrences. While TBI can impact any person, they are more common in very old or very young people. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 also have a higher risk than other age groups.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TBI include physical, emotional, and cognitive effects. Loss of consciousness, persistent headaches, dizziness, lack of balance, and abnormal pupil dilation are just a few of the physical symptoms that can accompany these injuries. Emotional and cognitive effects include memory problems, depression, slurred speech, disorientation, agitation, and irritability.
Treatments for TBI
Mild injuries usually resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter medication. Moderate injuries may require prescription medications to reduce swelling or prevent seizures from occurring due to damage to the brain. Severe injuries can fall for surgery to immediately reduce swelling or fix skull fractures. After dealing with the acute effects, doctors will recommend physical therapy and vocation rehab as needed.
The success of treatment depends on the severity of the injuries. Some people are able to make a full recovery, while others must undergo years of therapy just to restore minimal function. Others will experience lifelong effects and require ongoing assistance.
