Brain Injury Awareness Month
Lone Star Neurology
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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs?every 15 seconds and is the number one cause of death in children and young adults. Brain injuries, including concussions, may occur during athletic and recreational activities, but they can also result from falls, assaults, drug overdose, or electric shock, simply to name a few.
According to Brain Injury Association of America, (link below) injury to the brain often results in unpredictable consequences, with no two brain injuries exactly the same. “Brain injury affects who we are and the way we think, act, and feel. It can change everything about us in a matter of seconds.”
Brain injuries are classified as traumatic or non-traumatic. A traumatic brain Injury (TBI) is “an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force,” like a motor vehicle accident, workplace injury, domestic violence, or recreational injury. A non-traumatic brain injury is often called an acquired brain injury. BIAA notes that this type of injury “causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, etc.”
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What Are Concussions?
If you or someone you know has sustained a brain injury, you should be aware of the signs of concussion. Many types of concussions cause temporary symptoms, including headaches and vision problems. Worsening conditions can include damage to the brain’s ability to concentrate, memory problems, coordination concerns, and balance problems. In severe events, a person can lose consciousness, but most commonly a person suffering a concussion will not realize it, simply feeling ill or a bit confused.
Knowing the Symptoms of a Concussion
Because they are hard to recognize, it is important to know what the most common symptoms are. They include:
If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to be screened for a concussion. Because the symptoms of a minor event can be similar to a larger one, all individuals should have a doctor’s appointment.
Treatment Options for Concussions
The first step in treatment is proper diagnosis, which generally involves a neurological examination that includes looking at a patient’s vision, hearing, strength, and sensation, as well as reflexes. Coordination and balance can provide additional insight, and cognitive testing is also necessary. The goal of this testing is to evaluate memory, concentration, and your ability to recall information. Image testing can also be done to look for any brain bleeding or swelling. Patients with more severe symptoms of concussions, such as seizures, constant headaches, and vomiting, may need a more thorough examination that looks at the physical makeup of the brain. If your symptoms have worsened over time, this is also a necessary step for proper treatment.
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Treatment options are based on the type and severity of the condition. In most mild cases, rest is the most important step. This may mean avoiding any type of physical exertion until conditions improve and reducing stimulation to the brain. For this reason, things like watching TV, playing video games, reading, texting, and using a computer are not recommended. Any activity that utilizes mental concentration, including school or professional work, should be avoided during this phase of recovery.
More aggressive measures may need to be taken for those who have suffered a brain bleed, including treatment to determine the severity of the bleed. This type of bleeding may require surgical procedures to support recovery.
Preventing Concussions
It is important for patients to be monitored after experiencing a concussion, since they will be at higher risk for developing additional complications and the greater likelihood for more serious concussions in the future.
It is very important to learn about the prevention of concussions. While some individuals may be able to return to their physical activities, others may need to be more aggressive about prevention. This may include wearing proper protective gear, minimizing risks of head strikes, and limiting aggressive physical actions. Common safety measures like helmets, hard hats, and other protective gear are important for everyone who engaged in activities that place them at higher risk for head injuries.
Resources
Lone Star Neurology’s team of providers offers compassionate care for patients in DFW with concussions, TBIs, and more. ?https://lonestarneurology.net/
Brain Injury Association of America is a great resource for patients across the country, and can help you find medical specialists, support groups, caregiver information, and research related to traumatic and acquired brain injuries. https://www.biausa.org/
National Brain Injury Information Center offers information and support for people who have experienced a life-changing brain injury. https://www.biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/nbiic/contact-nbiic
Centre for Neuro Skills provides education and resources for stroke-related brain injuries in California and Texas. https://www.neuroskills.com/
Pate Rehabilitation has over 30 years of dedication to improving brain injury rehabilitation and enabling patients to thrive in the real world, working for the best possible outcome for people with acquired brain injuries. https://www.paterehab.com/