What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI or concussion, is an injury that causes damage to your brain. You may experience a TBI after a jolt, blow, or hard hit to your head. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury might be mild, moderate, or severe. Getting proper treatment helps reduce your risk of experiencing long-lasting effects associated with some TBIs.
What are the common causes of traumatic brain injuries?
Common causes that can contribute to TBIs include car accidents, sports injuries, falls, and being struck by an object. Men are more likely than women to suffer from TBIs. Your risk also increases with age, as adults 65 and older have the highest risk of being hospitalized from a TBI.
What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
Signs and symptoms you may experience with a traumatic brain injury vary based on the severity of your injury. Symptoms might include:
- Headaches, blurry vision, or fatigue
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Ringing in your ears
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Sleep problems
- Memory or concentration problems
- Vomiting or nausea
- Weakness or numbness
- Slurred speech
- Irritation or restlessness
- Loss of coordination
The symptoms you experience depend on the location of your injury. At the first sign of a TBI, see Dr. Zarrin and her team for an evaluation.
How does my provider diagnose a traumatic brain injury?
To diagnose a TBI and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Zarrin and her team ask about your symptoms and review your medical history. They complete neuropsychological testing and assessment to identify cognitive functioning, level of impairment, and determine frontal, parietal, temporal or occipital lobe injuries.
Dr. Zarrin might also recommend a CT scan or MRI. She may complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation to screen for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health disorders.
What are some types of brain injuries?
Your personalized TBI treatment plan depends on the severity of your brain injury. The Novoneuro, Inc. team might recommend:
- Penetrating brain injury
- Contusion
- Hematoma
- Concussion
- Anoxia/hypoxia
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
- Coup/Contrecoup Injuries
At the first sign of a traumatic brain injury, seek immediate medical treatment, and schedule an evaluation with specialists at Novoneuro, Inc. by phone or online today.
