We Know: All About Traumatic Brain Injuries What is a traumatic brain injury? Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when external physical forces (trauma) damage the tissues and cells of the brain, causing temporary or permanent impairment in the cognitive and physical abilities of an individual. TBIs are sometimes called acquired brain injuries or simply brain injuries. What causes traumatic brain injuries? TBIs change the way an individual thinks, moves, feels, or acts, seriously impacting brain functioning and consciousness. TBIs occur as a result of: Objects cause a violent impact to the head enough for the brain to move within or break the skull and hurt the brain (concussion or contusion). Rapid acceleration or deceleration pulls apart nerve fibers and damages the brain. This occurs in car accidents or with Shaken Baby Syndrome (diffuse axonal injury). An external object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue (penetration injury). What symptoms are associated with TBI? TBI occurs in varying degrees. A loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes, or changes in mood and behavior can indicate brain injury. The symptoms commonly found in mild forms of TBI include: Headache Lightheadedness and dizziness Blurring vision Ringing in the ears Bad taste in the mouth Fatigue Change in sleeping patterns Trouble with memory Severe forms of TBI can include the symptoms listed above and these: Recurring headaches Nausea and vomiting Seizures Inability to wake Slurred speech Coordination problems and weakness in the extremities Agitation Restlessness Dilated pupils Respiratory failure Loss of bowel or bladder control Spinal fluid coming out of the nose Individuals with severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. How are traumatic brain injuries treated? Individuals suffering symptoms that indicate TBI should get medical attention immediately. There are no cures to TBI and most treatments aim to stabilize the individual (control the blood pressure, oxygen supply, and blood flow) and prevent any further trauma to the brain. Doctors may image the brain to assess the damage. Once the brain has had time to heal and depending on the extent of the disability, the following therapies may be needed: Rehabilitation Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech and language therapy Psychological support Social support What research is being done in the area of TBIs? Current research is looking at how an injury affects brain functioning and to prevent further deterioration to the injured area. Some studies currently in progress include: Some studies attempt to limit the influx of calcium ions in response to an injury. These chemicals inhibit the ability for certain enzymes to work, damaging DNA and triggering cell death. Drugs that can prevent the calcium ion influx may prevent further deterioration of brain cells. Stem cell research is looking at methods to regenerate brain cells and restore dopamine levels that are lost in a TBI. Plasticity studies examine ways of adapting and the brain for lost functionality after an injury.
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