Traumatic Brain Injury

by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head. TBI is most frequently caused by vehicle crashes, firearms, sport injuries and falls.

Since there are so many areas of our personality, physical functions and mobility controlled by the brain, each TBI presents with different symptoms and requires different treatments. It becomes very important to seek medical help if you see changes in someone’s personality or physical function after a head injury, even if it has been a few hours or days after the incident.

Even a mild TBI can have a significant impact on the injured person and the family. Diagnosis may be difficult in these situations, since the person looks and generally acts the same. Seeking medical advice and care in someone you know with any of these symptoms should not be overlooked.

Mild TBI may cause temporary confusion or other dysfunction. Severe TBI can result in more damage to the brain and brain cells that may lead to long term care. A mild injury to the brain is serious and needs prompt medical care and diagnosis.

A child with a TBI may not be able to tell you what is wrong or how they feel. Some symptoms to be alert for are changes in eating or nursing habits, being unable to console persistent crying, irritability, change in sleep habits, loss of interest in favorite toys.

People most at risk for TBI are children (newborn to four years), young adults (15–24) and the elderly.

Some ways to decrease the risk of brain injury are always wearing seat belts and using the proper car seat for a child, wearing head protection while riding bikes, skateboards, skiing, playing sports and riding a horse. Making your house child-proof and fall-proof with properly installed gates and window guards, and with stairways kept clear will help prevent falls in the home.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/basics/definition/con-20029302,  www.traumaticbraininjury.com/understanding-tbi.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)