Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A Traumatic Brain Injury is a type of Acquired Brain Injury. It is an alteration in brain function caused by external force. This can be caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, and assaults.
Concussions
A concussion is the most common brain injury. It is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion include but are not limited to:
- headache
- confusion
- memory loss
- dizziness
- excessive fatigue
- sensitivity to light and/or noise
Other TBIs
Contusion: Blood underneath the skin due to trauma causing a bruise.
Coup Contrecoup: Two separate brain injuries sustained during the same incident. A coup injury refers to the brain damage that occurs directly under the point of impact. A contrecoup injury occurs on the opposite side of the brain from where the head is struck. This is due to the impact causing the brain to hit the other side of the head.
Diffuse Axonal Injury: a DAI is similar to a concussion, though the brain is shaken much more violently, causing tears which can be fatal.
Common Causes
Traumatic brain injuries often occur most through motor vehicle accidents, sports related injuries, accidents, assaults, and falls.
If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury, please contact a medical professional.
Rehab
When recovering from a concussion or other TBI it can be very beneficial to work with a Physical therapist. Physical therapists can evaluate and treat many problems related to these injuries. Because no two concussions or brain injuries are the same, a physical therapist will examine your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems in order to best prescribe a routine to address your particular symptoms and your needs in all of your daily environments.
Treatment may include:
Rest and recovery
Restoring strength and endurance
Stopping dizziness and improving balance
Reducing headaches
Gradual help returning to normal activity or sport