What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when a blow, bump, or jolt to the head disrupts regular brain function. There are two main kinds of TBI: a “closed” injury when nothing punctures the skull, and a “penetrating” one when something does damage the bone. From “moderate,” with only a brief loss of consciousness or difference in mental capacity, to “severe,” with an extended time of unconsciousness or forgetfulness and a broad spectrum of physical and cognitive deficits. If you doubt you also have this injury, contact Dr Amit Mittal, a renowned Neurologist in Ludhiana at Neuro Life Brain and Spine Centre.
Mild TBIs are the most common type, and this condition is also called trauma. With a minor TBI, most victims fully recover within a few weeks. Some individuals, however, may experience severe and permanent impairments or difficulties that endure longer and are more extreme. A more serious TBI may prove fatal or cause a coma.
Signs and Symptoms of TBI
For a concussion or mild TBI, symptoms by neurosurgeon in ludhiana can include a range of physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental health issues. These include:
- Loss of consciousness for a few moments or minutes
- No loss of consciousness, but standing dizzy, confused, or disoriented
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems with speech
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or double vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Irritability
- Feeling depressed or anxious
Risk and Causes Factors of Traumatic Brain Injury
The top causes of TBI rely on the type of head injury.
Falls, for example, are the most typical cause of closed head damage among adults 65 and older. Meanwhile, motor vehicle crashes are the most typical reason for closed head injuries among young adults. Falls and collisions, usually while playing sports, are the most common cause of these damages among children. The most frequent causes of this kind of TBI in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are falls and attacks, particularly shaken baby syndrome.
Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury
Some people with a mild TBI or concussion may recover without any specific treatment other than rest. People may periodically need to initially reduce activities like reading or computer work if they undergo headaches or other symptoms. Children and teens who maintain a sports concussion need to stop recreating and wait to continue participation until a doctor clears them.
Doctors first stabilize the patient for more intense TBIs by checking the pressure inside the skull, managing blood pressure, and providing the brain gets enough oxygen. Surgeons might use it to remove hematomas, regions of clotted blood in the brain or between the skull and brain, or to relieve pressure in the head. Moreover, they might perform surgery to fix skull fractures and allow extra fluid to drain.
Although there isn’t a drug that can be used to treat a TBI specifically, doctors may recommend drugs to treat its symptoms, such as:
- Anti-anxiety medication to reduce nervousness and fear
- Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures
- Antidepressants to treat symptoms of mood instability or depression
- Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms
- Medications to help with sleep
- Stimulants to increase alertness and attention
- Medications to treat post-traumatic headaches