Overview

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) cause brain dysfunction and can severely impact your life.

Causes

As the name suggests, this type of injury is caused by trauma forcing the brain to slam into the sides of your skull.  This impact tears brain tissues and blood vessels.  TBI’s are usually caused by car crashes, falls, sports injuries, and physical assaults, but can be caused by anything the penetrates the skull and enters the brain.

Symptoms

There is a wide variety of dysfunction that follows a traumatic brain injury.  You may experience headaches, loss of consciousness, vision problems, and ringing in your ears.  You may have trouble remembering, organizing your thoughts, and speaking clearly.  You may lose coordination and have difficulty effectively moving your arms and legs.  Your emotional state may change.

Treatment

If your TBI was caused by a brain penetration, you will need emergency surgery.  You may be placed in a medically-induced coma to allow your brain to heal with reduced stimulation.  You may need medication to regulate fluids and prevent seizures.  A variety of emotional, cognitive, and physical therapies will follow your brain surgery.  These may also be used if your TBI did not require surgery.