Traumatic brain injury affects more people every year than some may believe. In fact, approximately 166 people across the country die from brain trauma every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since the symptoms of brain injuries are often mistaken for other illnesses, TBIs often go undiagnosed. It is critical that victims of head injuries seek medical attention immediately to maximize their chances of recovery.
How do brain injuries occur?
The soft tissue of the brain sits suspended in spinal fluid within the skull cavity. Any sudden impact or jolt to the head can cause the tissue to hit into the hard skull bone, resulting in brain bleeding, bruising and inflammation. Injuries can also occur if a flying object punctures the skull bone and goes into the brain.
Symptoms of brain injuries may appear immediately or could take several days to show. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of mild to moderate brain injuries include the following:
- Persistent headaches, growing in intensity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and confusion
- Convulsions
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue and changes in mood
More severe injuries may involve seizures, tingling in the extremities, coma, loss of speech and trouble swallowing.
What are the long-lasting effects of brain injuries?
Brain injuries can have serious long-term effects if not treated quickly. Some symptoms, such as headaches, seizures and dizziness can last for months and possibly years after the injury occured. Other complications may involve paralysis, hearing loss, loss of taste, loss of vision and permanent changes in mood. Brain injuries in children can create a disruption in development.