Traumatic Brain Injury
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain or skull caused by force, such as a strike or impact, and the damage can disturb the function of the brain. Not every head injury causes a traumatic brain injury. A TBI can range from a mild injury to severe. Severe cases can result in unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. TBI symptoms may not appear until days or weeks following the injury. Serious traumatic brain injuries need emergency treatment.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Can occur when the head:
- is violently shaken by external force (e.g., severe whiplash, shaken baby syndrome)
- hits a stationary object (e.g., falls, hits a windshield in a car crash)
- is hit (e.g., by impact from a ball)
- is penetrated (e.g., gunshot wound)
Types of Brain Injuries
Concussions
Most TBIs are concussions or other forms of mild TBI. A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that changes the way the brain normally works. They can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.
Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs after birth and is caused by a stroke, lack of oxygen to the brain (known as hypoxia), which can happen in cases of near drowning, choking, and smoke inhalation.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a form of abuse. When anyone shakes a baby or young child, their brain and body are seriously injured. Some children can even die. It takes only a few seconds of shaking to cause permanent damage. When a baby or young child is violently shaken, their head rolls back and forth causing their brain to hit the skull.
Signs and Symptoms of a TBI
The signs and symptoms can be either subtle or obvious depending on the severity of the injury. Seek medical attention if you or someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
- Slurred speech, and slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
- Getting lost or easily confused
- Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation
- Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
- One pupil larger than the other
- Convulsions or seizures
- Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Nausea repeated vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
- Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness
It is often harder for children to communicate how they feel. A health care provider will be able to decide how serious the injury is. If the child was playing a sport while their head was injured, do not let them return to play until they have been medically cleared. Athletes who return to play too soon are at a greater risk for having a second traumatic brain injury.
Call their health care provider if a blow to the head occurred and you notice any of the above symptoms or any of the following:
- Will not stop crying or cannot be consoled
- Will not eat or nurse
- Changes in the way the child plays
- Changes in performance at school
- Changes in the way the child plays
- Changes in performance at school
- Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
- Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
- Loss of balance or unsteady walking
Who is at Risk?
Children
In children, the most severe TBIs occur from motor vehicle traffic-related crashes. Using an age-appropriate car or booster seat, or a seat belt, and riding in the backseat until age 13 to reduce these risks. Also, following the rules of the road and being a safe pedestrian and bicyclist will also help reduce risk of injury. Children also are at a great risk of a TBI due to a fall. Making sure the home is safe by using gates at the top of stairs, safety locks on windows, and practicing safe play even on playgrounds are some ways to reduce the risk of falls. In addition, secure firearms to avoid unintentional firearm injuries.
Children’s Sports
Every year, thousands of New York children 19 and younger are treated at hospitals for a sports-related TBI. Concussions can happen in any sport, but most often occur in contact sports, such as football, rugby, or ice hockey. These sports require the use of proper safety equipment on the body and/or rules to participate safely.
Older Adults
In New York State, falls a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for those 45 years and older. Adults 65 years and older have the highest rate of TBI deaths.
Victims of Violence
Victims of violence who have been hit in the face or head, fallen and hit their head, been shaken severely, strangled, or choked are at risk for a TBI. Heads Up! is a resource for anyone who may be a victim of violence and experiencing TBI symptoms.
Veterans
TBIs are a significant health issue that affects service members and veterans.
TBI and Long-term Health
A traumatic brain injury can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions. They can also cause epilepsy and increase the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders that become more common with age. Repeated mild TBIs taking place over months or years can result in lasting physical and mental changes. Those that occur within a short period of time, such as hours, days, or even weeks, can be fatal.
Recovery
Medical care and evaluation after a brain injury is sometimes a long process. Staying connected with your healthcare provider during recovery, remaining patient, and listening to your body are important. Ignoring symptoms and returning to regular daily activities or sports too soon can make the symptoms worse. Parents and guardians need to take an active role in their child’s recovery.
