A Guide to Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very serious condition that can have lasting health effects. In some cases, long term treatment may be required and for some injury victims it’s impossible to return to their former state. The following includes the common causes of TBI and the different types of complications can occur.
According to the Mayo Clinic, TBI has a number of different causes. Car accidents are a leading cause due to acceleration at high speeds. Motorcyclists are also prone to experiencing significant injuries, especially when riding without a helmet. Falls are another concern. Older people are often more prone to falls as a result of decreased mobility and declining vision. Additionally, elderly people tend to suffer more severe injuries as a result of falls, with sometimes devastating consequences.
In terms of complications, TBI is associated with both physical effects and altered consciousness. Physical effects include seizures (which can be recurrent), dizziness, headaches, fluid accumulation in the brain, and damage to small and large blood vessels. Serious effects like coma can also occur, usually as a result of moderate to severe brain injuries.
People can also experience cognitive symptoms after a brain injury. Some people will experience learning and memory issues, as well as problems with decision-making and planning. Behavior may even be affected in some cases. Impulse control can be impacted to the point where a person may engage in risky behaviors.
There is also a chance of developing emotional issues, such as depression or anxiety, or even drastic mood swings. In the event you suffer from repeated brain injuries, there is also a risk of developing a degenerative brain disease. This includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
