Brain Trauma: An Overview
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major cause of disability and death around the world. The severity of the injury can range from mild to severe, and the effects can be both short- and long-term. This article provides an overview of TBIs, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Causes of Brain Trauma
TBIs can be caused by a variety of events, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, and contact sports. Blast injuries from explosions can also cause TBIs. The most common cause of TBIs in the United States is falls, followed by motor vehicle accidents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Diagnosis of Brain Trauma
If a person has sustained a TBI, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will typically conduct a physical exam, as well as a neurological exam to determine the severity and extent of the injury. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to diagnose a TBI (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Treatment of Brain Trauma
The treatment of a TBI depends on the severity of the injury. For mild TBIs, the doctor may recommend rest and over-the-counter pain medications. For more severe cases, hospitalization and surgery may be necessary. Treatment may also include rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Prevention of Brain Trauma
There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent TBIs. These include using proper safety equipment when participating in contact sports or other activities, making sure that staircases and other areas in the home are well-lit, and making sure that young children are supervised at all times. Additionally, individuals should always wear a seatbelt when in a motor vehicle and should avoid driving when impaired (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Conclusion
TBIs are a major cause of disability and death around the world. The causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TBIs are all important topics that should not be overlooked. By understanding the potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TBIs, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of sustaining a TBI and seek appropriate treatment if a TBI does occur.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Traumatic brain injury. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html