A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. A TBI can vary from a mild concussion to a fatal head injury. Traumatic brain injuries – even when mild – have the potential to severely impair a person’s cognitive function, memory, and motor skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer a TBI each year.
What To Do after a TBI
It is extremely important to seek medical attention if you suspect any level of head injury. Even mild TBIs with mild symptoms can quickly take a turn for the worse. It is imperative to get prompt treatment in any TBI case to minimize long-term damage. Once a brain injury is stabilized, short-term and long-term care for TBI patients can take various forms. Whether in an inpatient or outpatient setting, a rehabilitation program will usually include numerous specialists who work with patients and their families to overcome the physical, emotional, and neurological complications that arise after a traumatic brain injury.
TBI Facts
Traumatic brain injuries are known to affect a wide range of functions including behavior, thinking, emotions, speech, sensation, language, and memory.
Recent research has found that a progressive degenerative disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is caused by repeated head trauma. This means that even the mildest hits to the head, if repeated (repeated tackles in football, for example), can lead to CTE symptoms, which include memory loss, aggression, and progressive dementia.
A single moderate to severe TBI can have lasting consequences. According to recent research, a moderate or severe blow to the head can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers believe many patients who suffered a TBI commonly develop a long-term disability 12-14 years after the initial brain injury.