What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is generally understood to be any head injury that impacts the way your brain works. All head injuries have the potential to become traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The human brain is incredibly fragile, and any harm to it can be severely debilitating. A TBI specifically occurs when external physical forces, such as those from a car accident or a fall, damage the brain.

Due to the nature of TBIs, there is no quick fix. Determining the full extent of a brain injury can be challenging, as TBIs often lead to serious long-term consequences for the victim. Moreover, diagnosing and treating a TBI is neither quick nor straightforward.

Generally speaking, a TBI can be:

• Mild - Most TBI injuries are initially categorized as mild concussions, and typically result from falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. There’s a range of symptoms like headaches, confusion, and sensitivity to light and noise. Though symptoms usually resolve within weeks, some may go through post-concussive symptoms.
• Moderate - Moderate TBIs result from stronger impacts, causing longer unconsciousness and memory loss. They bring about more serious mental and physical problems, requiring hospitalization, scans, and intense therapy.
• Severe - Severe TBIs stem from major accidents or penetrating wounds, leading to extended unconsciousness, severe cognitive, physical, and emotional issues. Treatment involves urgent care, surgeries, and ongoing therapy. Though some improve, many are left with lasting disabilities, highlighting the difficulty of managing severe TBIs

What Should You Do If You Think You Have a TBI?​

Any situation that leaves you with a potential TBI is very difficult. Not only do you have to deal with the initial incident, but you may have other injuries that will require your attention. That said, a head or brain injury should take priority. So, if you’re in an accident and there’s a head injury, make sure to take the following steps:

• Call for medical help to stabilize your injuries.
• Head to the emergency room for a thorough check-up.
• Stay aware of any changes in how you feel physically, mentally, or emotionally. TBI symptoms might not show up immediately.
• Avoid activities that might make your TBI worse.
• Give yourself time to rest and heal. Avoid tough tasks both physically and mentally.
• Let people close to you know about your injury so they can help and keep an eye on you.
• Go to any follow-up appointments your doctor sets. They might recommend more tests or treatments based on how you're doing.
• Take steps to prevent getting hurt again, like wearing safety gear during activities or making your surroundings safer.

Remember, you have to act quickly if you have a head injury. Early detection is very important, but so too is having the right treatment and resources.