The immediate effects of traumatic brain injury include cell injury or death, neurovascular disruption, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and biochemical imbalance [10].

The most common neurological finding in traumatic brain injury is loss of consciousness. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess consciousness and the severity of injury [5].

Symptoms in severe traumatic brain injury include [5]:

• Absent, diminished, or unbalanced pupil reaction
• Hemiparesis
• Decerebrate or decorticate posturing
• Bradypnea, apnea, or fixed heart rate

Other symptoms with all levels of traumatic brain injury include [5]:

• Confusion
• Somnolence
• Listlessness
• Vomiting
• Pallor
• Irritability

Worsening neurologic signs appearing after the time of injury indicate complications: Progressive brain edema, intracranial hemorrhage or thrombosis. This can occur even with mild injuries and needs further evaluation [5].

Traumatic brain injury in children increases the risk of adverse behavioral disabilities, including attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric disorders [12].

Approximately 75% of traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, with only brief loss of consciousness and transient symptoms. Most patients recover completely [10].

Some individuals, however, have persistent or worsening cognitive, behavioral, or somatic symptoms. These symptoms suggest more severe brain dysfunction [10].

Headaches often occur post-traumatic brain injury and some studies have reported them more often after mild injuries than after those that are more severe [10]. Post-trauma headaches vary in type and intensity and may become chronic [10].

Emotional, social, or behavioral problems and changes in personality can occur after a traumatic brain injury. Studies indicate that these patients are also at higher risk of psychiatric disorders [1] [2] [13].

• Pain

  The Glasgow Coma Scale Best Visual Response Best Verbal Response Best Motor Response None To pain To speech Spontaneous None Incomprehensible Inappropriate words Confused Oriented None Extends to pain Flexes to pain Withdrawl to pain Localizes to pain [shepherd.org]

  She had begun to feel pain in her left hand and foot at ~ 7 days after onset. The characteristics and severity of pain were as follows: constant tingling and pricking sensation without allodynia or hyperalgesia (Visual Analogue Scale score: 3~4). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Unconsciousness

  Severe head injury is usually defined as being a condition where the patient has been in an unconscious state for six hours or more, or a post-traumatic amnesia of 24 hours or more. [headway.org.uk]

  An additional seven subjects who were unconscious greater than 20 minutes were available for analysis. [doi.org]

  An additional 7 subjects who were unconscious greater than 20 minutes was available for analysis. Previous discriminant function analysis developed by Thatcher, R. [citeseerx.ist.psu.edu]

  Mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, either doesn’t cause unconsciousness or unconsciousness lasts for 30 minutes or less. [alz.org]

• Fatigue

  We believe that these injuries of the ARAS might be a pathogenetic mechanism of fatigue and hypersomnia in patients with TBI. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Common physical effects can include: Loss of taste and smell Dizziness and balance problems Epilepsy and seizures Fatigue Headaches and chronic pain Visual problems Paralysis or movement disorders. [synapse.org.au]

  Mild TBI Symptoms Fatigue Headaches Light sensitivity Dizziness and balance problems Irritability Depression and mood swings Nausea General confusion and mental fog Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury Moderate brain injuries score between 8 and 13 on the [shepherd.org]

  […] revisions to all chapters covering neuropsychiatric disorders• Chapters discussing the multiple neuropsychiatric sequelae experienced by patients but not encompassed by the usual psychiatric syndromes--including apathy, reduced awareness of deficits, fatigue [books.google.com]

• Fever

  The brain can also experience a number of secondary types of damage, like swelling, fever, seizures, or an imbalance of neurological chemicals. A traumatic brain injury may either be a penetrating injury or a closed head injury. [brainline.org]

  In addition, this review shows a place for fever control in the management of traumatic brain injury. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The symptoms of diffuse axonal injury depend on the severity and location of tearing, and can include temporary or permanent cognitive (thinking) impairment, fever, muscle rigidity, high blood pressure, coma, or death. [tbirecoverycenter.org]

• Impaired Balance

  These patients met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for their impaired balance at the District of Columbia Veterans Affair Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Balance impairments (also sometimes called balance dysfunctions or balance disorders) are common for some following a TBI. [disabled-world.com]

  Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include: Headache Dizziness Insomnia, Decreased concentration and attention span Depression Anxiety Mood swings Impaired balance Decreased speed of information processing Decreased ability to learn new things and [paterehab.com]

  Symptoms can include Memory problems Impaired judgment and decision making Personality changes (eg, irascibility, volatility) Several prominent retired athletes who had sustained recurrent TBI have committed suicide. [msdmanuals.com]

• Anosmia

  We then provide our recommendation for an orbit magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the inferior frontal lobes and olfactory bulbs in patients with unexplained anosmia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] diplopia) Blurred vision Problems judging distance Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) Intolerance of light (photophobia) Decreased or loss of hearing Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Increased sensitivity to sounds Loss or diminished sense of smell (anosmia [northeastern.edu]

  […] failure to recognize familiar objects even though the sensory mechanism is intact Agraphia – the inability to express thoughts in writing Alexia – the inability to read Amnesia – lack of memory about events occurring during a particular period of time Anosmia [aans.org]

• Nausea

  Mild TBI Symptoms Fatigue Headaches Light sensitivity Dizziness and balance problems Irritability Depression and mood swings Nausea General confusion and mental fog Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury Moderate brain injuries score between 8 and 13 on the [shepherd.org]

  Physical symptoms are headaches, fuzzy or blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, noise and light sensitivity, fatigue, and balance problems. [docdoc.com.sg]

  Symptoms of even mild concussion may include headache, dizziness, feeling in a fog, nausea or vomiting, and emotional instability, among numerous others. [biami.org]

  Milder TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells and produce symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, dizziness or loss of balance, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or memory or concentration problems. [uabmedicine.org]

  Symptoms can range from headache, dizziness, or trouble thinking to nausea, vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Severe injuries need treatment right away, which might include surgery. [stanfordchildrens.org]

• Blurred Vision

  Milder TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells and produce symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, dizziness or loss of balance, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or memory or concentration problems. [uabmedicine.org]

  Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with [ninds.nih.gov]

  Mild traumatic brain injury can cause the following: Headache Confusion Dizziness Blurred vision Ringing in the ears Bad taste in the mouth Fatigue A change in sleep patterns Behavioral or mood changes Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or [barnesjewish.org]

  Symptoms of TBI Mild Symptoms: Loss of consciousness for a few seconds Lightheadedness Dizziness Blurred vision or tired eyes Change in sleep patterns Trouble with memory Sleep disturbances Severe Symptoms: Headaches that worsen or won't go away Vomiting [pennmedicine.org]

• Hemianopsia

  […] covering the brain Hemiplegia – paralysis of one side of the body as a result of injury to neurons carrying signals to muscles from the motor areas of the brain or spinal cord Hemiparesis – weakness, paralysis or loss of movement on one side of the body Hemianopsia [aans.org]

• Anisocoria

  […] the body, and a blown pupil, one that fails to constrict in response to light or is slow to do so.[50] Cushing's triad, a slow heart rate with high blood pressure and respiratory depression is a classic manifestation of significantly raised ICP.[9] Anisocoria [en.wikipedia.org]

• Contusion

  In each case, the most prominent lesions were white matter hemorrhagic contusions similar to those associated with acceleration-deceleration types of injuries characterizing falls or motor vehicle accidents (i.e., contrecoup contusions). [dx.doi.org]

  A cerebral contusion is bruising of brain tissue. When examined under a microscope, cerebral contusions are comparable to bruises in other parts of the body. [aans.org]

• Hearing Problem

  While severe TBI can leave a person almost incapacitated, even mild TBI (mTBI) -- also known as concussion -- can lead to symptoms, including headaches, balance problems, hearing problems, lack of self-control, mood changes, ringing in the ears, problems [pbs.org]

• Hearing Impairment

  impairment, cognitive dysfunction and sensory aphasia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Headache

  Mild TBI Symptoms Fatigue Headaches Light sensitivity Dizziness and balance problems Irritability Depression and mood swings Nausea General confusion and mental fog Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury Moderate brain injuries score between 8 and 13 on the [shepherd.org]

  Somatic Symptoms Headache is the most common symptom of MTBI. 4 Possible causes include posttraumatic migraine, tension headache, exacerbation of a preexisting headache disorder, analgesic abuse, and cervical radiculopathies. [web.archive.org]

  Headaches: Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is the best painkiller for a headache due to a head injury. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should be avoided because they thin the blood and increase the risk of internal bleeding. [medicalnewstoday.com]

  Headache is the most common symptom of MTBI. 4 Possible causes include posttraumatic migraine, tension headache, exacerbation of a preexisting headache disorder, analgesic abuse, and cervical radiculopathies. [dx.doi.org]

• Dizziness

  Symptoms can be wide-ranging, from physical effects such as balance problems, headaches and dizziness to cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects such as memory problems and anger. [headway.org.uk]

  BACKGROUND: Case reports are presented on four Veterans, aged 29-46 years, who complained of chronic dizziness and/or postural instability following blast exposures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Initial symptoms might include dizziness, slurred speech, and amnesia. Signs Signs of concussion may not be noticeable straight away. [medicalnewstoday.com]

  Dizziness after traumatic brain injury: overview and measurement in the clinical setting. Brain Inj. 2006 Mar;20(3):293-305. 6Chamelian L, Feinstein A. Outcome after mild to moderate traumatic brain injury: the role of dizziness. [theraspecs.com]

  Mild TBI Symptoms Fatigue Headaches Light sensitivity Dizziness and balance problems Irritability Depression and mood swings Nausea General confusion and mental fog Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury Moderate brain injuries score between 8 and 13 on the [shepherd.org]

• Amnesia

  A moderate head injury is defined as loss of consciousness for between 15 minutes and six hours, or a period of post-traumatic amnesia of up to 24 hours. [headway.org.uk]

  This is the period of post-traumatic amnesia. The longer the duration of amnesia, the more severe the brain damage. [biami.org]

  These signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and focal neurological deficits. [web.archive.org]

  Initial symptoms might include dizziness, slurred speech, and amnesia. Signs Signs of concussion may not be noticeable straight away. [medicalnewstoday.com]

• Cognitive Impairment

  There are no FDA-approved treatments for ECT-induced cognitive impairments or for cognitive impairments in neurologic and psychiatric disorders except AD. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  This study highlights the importance of assessing emotional state when utilising subjective report data, as well as the need to use objective measures of cognitive impairment. [oadoi.org]

• Aphasia

  He showed severe aphasia and brain MRI showed leukomalactic lesion in the left frontal lobe. The result WAB for the patient showed severe aphasia, with an aphasia quotient of 45.3 percentile. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Factors identified as determinant for the third verdict in head injuries are depressed skull fragments, dura laceration with exposed brain, infected cranial wounds/tetanus, major craniofacial fractures, deep skull–penetrating stab wounds, and aphasia. [doi.org]

  Stabilized patients with neurorehabilitation needs may be referred to our Concussion Clinic, Aphasia (communication difficulties) Clinic, or Neuropsychology Clinic, depending on the type and severity of injury and loss of brain function. [barnesjewish.org]

  Trouble choosing the right words to say (aphasia) Trouble reading (alexia) or writing (agraphia) Trouble knowing how to do certain very common actions, like brushing one's teeth (apraxia) Slow, hesitant speech and decreased vocabulary Trouble forming [hopkinsmedicine.org]

Neuroimaging is an important part of the diagnostic work up for traumatic brain injury [4]. Neuroimaging should be done if any of the following occur [4]:

• Glasgow Coma Scale less than 13
• Vomiting and headache
• Amnesia

Neuroimaging techniques include [4] [5]:

• Computed tomography, more available and cost effective, is the initial imaging technique used in the first 24 hours.
• Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive and accurate and may reveal defects in patients with normal computed tomography scan findings[14].
• Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging are not used routinely because they have limited availability [14].

Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) have improved diagnosis, management, and treatment of traumatic brain injury [5]. However, studies reveal even with a normal computed tomography scans a significant number of patents experience poor long-term cognitive outcomes after traumatic brain injury [3].

Laboratory tests have not yet been widely used for evaluation after traumatic brain injury. Glucose and hemoglobin levels have been shown to be prognostic [8]. Coagulation studies are very relevant for outcome prediction, as well [8]. Any abnormal laboratory findings need follow-up and treated. For example, hyperglycemia management has been shown to reduce mortality [8].

• Epileptiform Activity

  Ling, Spontaneous Epileptiform Activity in Rat Neocortex after Controlled Cortical Impact Injury, Journal of Neurotrauma, 27, 8, (1541), (2010). [dx.doi.org]

  We manually reviewed each EEG record for epileptiform abnormalities, and excluded these in the final analysis (only 1 mouse showed seizure activity; no human subjects showed epileptiform activity). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• EEG Slowing

  EEG slow wave counts during sleep and wake states in mice Next, we applied our method for EEG slow wave quantification to EEG from brain-injured and sham-injured mice. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Spectral Entropy Decreased

  SE is decreased during periods of sleep. Seizures showed a massive increase in power across the frequency spectrum. During periods of epileptic activity, events were recorded in each frequency band. Spectral Entropy decreased dramatically. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Rapid and complete resuscitation at the time of traumatic brain injury using the "ABCs" of resuscitation is the initial intervention needed [15]. The goal is to optimize cerebral perfusion and prevent secondary damage due to cerebral ischemia [15].
Emergency treatment should be started as soon as possible after injury to optimize outcomes [1] [2]. In the initial phase the aim of treatment is to stabilize the patient and prevent further injury.

During the acute stage the goals are to maintain oxygen supply, ensure adequate cerebral circulation, and control increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). Preventing seizures is also a major concern [1] [2]. Intraventricular monitoring of intracranial pressure is important during the acute phase in individuals with severe traumatic head injury [2].

With an unconscious patient airway and oxygen supply may be maintained with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation [2].

Treatment of increased intracranial pressure is an important measure in preventing further injury after head injuries. Some useful techniques include [2] [15]:

• Raising the head of the bed
• Keeping head and neck in a neutral position to maximize blood flow
• Sedatives, analgesics and paralytic agents
• Intravenous hypertonic saline solutions should be used with caution
• Mannitol, an osmotic diuretic
• Diuretics, to increase urine output, but may cause hypovolemia
• Hyperventilation reduces carbon dioxide levels and causes constriction of blood vessels but can cause ischemia 
• Corticosteroids should not be given routinely as they may be associated with an increased risk of death.

Signs and symptoms that suggest a severe injury and indicate aggressive treatment include [2] [4]:

• Worsening level of consciousness
• Loss of consciousness for more than 5 min
• Focal neurological findings
• Seizure
• Failure of the mental status to improve over time
• Penetrating skull injuries
• Signs of a basal or depressed skull fracture
• Confusion or aggression on examination

Monitoring and preventing hypotension, which can be a complication of traumatic brain injury, is important. It can be prevented with intravenous fluids to maintain a normal blood pressure [1]. Norepinephrine and similar medications help to maintain cerebral perfusion by maintaining blood pressure [2].

Maintaining a normal or lower body temperature reduces the brain's metabolic needs [2].

Seizures are common with traumatic brain injury. They may be treated with benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants [2] [13].

Neurosurgical interventions are used to reduce vascular compression, remove hematomas, and repair lacerations. Hemorrhage or edema can directly compress vasculature causing ischemia and infarct [4]. Therefore, these hematomas need immediate evacuation.

Decompressive craniectomy, temporary removal of part of the skull, is used routinely in to control high intracranial pressures [2]. Treatment of vascular damage may involve open surgical or endovascular approaches [4].

During the chronic phase the goal is optimal rehabilitation [13].
Goals of rehabilitation are to optimize motor, speech, and social functioning [1]. A multidisciplinary approach is needed and should include: physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, cognitive rehabilitation therapists, and occupational therapists [1][2].

Psychiatric and psychological services should also be involved with patients post-traumatic brain injury. These specialties can evaluate and manage cognitive deficits [1].

The best indicators of patient prognosis from traumatic brain injury are age, Glasgow Coma Scale, and pupillary reactivity on admission [8].

Predictors of poor outcomes are [2] [8]:

• Age > 65 years.
• Decreased motor response
• Fixed, unequal, or diminished pupil reaction

If compression on brain tissue is relieved in time, full recovery will be more likely [8]. The incidence of disability after a head injury is estimated in recent studies to be 100 to ­150 per 100,000 population per year. This is significantly higher than previous estimates [9] [10].

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of morbidity and
mortality in children and adults worldwide [5]. It is responsible for significant long-term neurologic, physical, and psychosocial disability in the United States [3].

Brain injury occurring as a result of trauma occurs in two phases. Primary injury occurs at the time of insult and is a result of the direct force or to penetration of the skull. Secondary injury occurs after the initial phase and is due to primarily to inflammation [3]. Neurologic dysfunction and complications of traumatic brain injury during both stages are a result of brain ischemia due to altered cerebral profusion, tissue compression, and increased intracranial pressure [3].

The severity of a traumatic brain injury is determined by using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) during the first 48 hours after injury [3][5]. The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates eye movement, verbal response, and motor response on a scale of 1 to 5/6, with 1 as no response and 5/6 as spontaneous resposes.

The severity of traumatic brain injury according to the Glasgow Coma Scale is as follows [5] [6]:

• Severe = score of 3-8
• Moderate = score of 9-12
• Mild = score of 13-15

It is difficult to assess the incidence rate of traumatic brain injury because the definition and criteria used for diagnosis vary widely [4]. This is further confused because incidence rates are calculated only from the number of hospitalized cases or fatalities. Numbers do not include individuals not seeking care or without access to care [7]. The incidence of traumatic brain injury may actually be 3 to 4 times greater than estimated [7].

It is estimated that there are nearly 1.6 million head injuries in the United States every year and over 50,000 deaths [8]. In Europe an incidence rate is estimated to be 235 per 100,000 populations. Less data is available from other regions of the world, but is believed to be a significant problem worldwide [7].

The incidence rates of traumatic brain injury are highest in young adults, 20 to 40 years of age. The second highest rate is in the elderly, usually from falls [7]. Males are more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury than females [7].

The mortality rate for traumatic brain injury is estimated to be 6-17 per 100,000 people. The mortality rate for severe traumatic brain injury is about 33% [4].

Research studies estimate that some 70,000 individuals are living with permanent neurological deficits due to head trauma [4] [9] and nearly 2 million with other related disabilities [10].

The incidence of traumatic brain injury in children is estimated to be about 475,000 each year [5] [11]. Ninety percent of children suffer only mild trauma and are released from the emergency department [5]. Approximately 8% of children with traumatic brain injury need hospitalization and 0.6% die [5]. The incidence is highest in children aged 0 to 4 years and in adolescents older than 14 years [11] [12]. For children, rates of both death and hospitalization are significantly higher for blacks than whites [11].

Traumatic brain injury is responsible for approximately 40% of all acute injury deaths in the United States and 200,000 hospitalizations. As a result it accounts for approximately 10% of the health care budget in the United States [4]. The cost of traumatic brain injury is estimated to be $4 billion yearly [4].

Typically traumatic brain injury involves a combination of primary injury, injury occurring at time of insult, and secondary injury, which happens over time [7].

The signs, symptoms, and complications of traumatic brain injury are due to the development of cerebral edema and a rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) secondary to inflammation [5]. Inflammation reduces cerebral blood flow, decreases cerebral perfusion, and increases cerebral ischemia [5].

In response to traumatic brain injury, cell death and injury, cytokine production by activated glia cells is increased [10]. This inflammatory response is initially protective and reparative. However, when it persists it can lead to secondary damage due to cerebral ischemia [10]. Progressive inflammation accounts for neurological symptoms seen after traumatic brain injury, especially headaches [10].

Brain contusions, subsequent inflammation and cerebral edema are relatively common with traumatic brain injury, occurring in approximately 43% of patients. They can occur with blunt force trauma or coup-contra-coup injuries (deceleration/acceleration trauma) [4]. The process of injury affects the pattern of injury. The more diffuse the initial injury the more wide-spread the neural damage [10]. Prompt neurosurgical intervention is needed to prevent further injury [4].

Traumatic brain injury in children differs from injuries in adults. The pediatric skull and brain are undergoing anatomical and functional development. Therefore, the type of injury, complications, and neurological and functional disability vary with each age group [5]. In infancy open sutures prevent early and rapid increase in intracranial pressure. This can limit or prevent secondary brain injuries, but may also interfere with early detection of problems [5].

Injuries occurring with or following traumatic brain injury include [4] [5]:

• Subdural hematomas are common in traumatic brain injuries occurring in about 10 to 20% of patients. They are linked to mortality rates of up to 50 to 85% [2] [4].
• Epidural hematomas are uncommon, occurring in only 1 to 4% of patients usually those with skull fractures. 
• Intraventricular hemorrhages occur in about 3% of patients and have high morbidity and mortality rates. 
• Increased intracranial pressure is a frequent complication of traumatic brain injury and accounts for further cerebral ischemia and dysfunction. 
• Cerebral herniation is life-threatening and can lead to compression of vital structures resulting significant neurological deficits.
• Vascular dissections and aneurysms can occur due to trauma to the vessels. 

All complications of traumatic head injury can cause cerebral ischemia. If untreated this may cause increased morbidity and mortality. The primary consequence of all complications of traumatic brain injury is a decrease in cerebral perfusion [4].

Preventive measures include use of technology to protect those involved in motor vehicle accidents, such as seat belts and air bags, and better sports or motorcycle helmets. The most effective measures are those that reduce the number of automobile accidents and education programs aimed at increasing the use of seat belts and helmets [5] [7].

Traumatic brain injury is a serious public health problem affecting nearly half a million children every year. Variations in incidence by race suggest socioeconomic factors might contribute to its occurrence [11]. Further study in this area is needed to develop preventive strategies.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an insult to the brain due to an external mechanical force [1]. It is associated with diminished or altered consciousness and can lead to permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, and/or psychosocial function [2].

There is increasing evidence that even mild traumatic brain injuries, often referred to as concussions, can result in significant neurologic injury and long-term brain dysfunction [2] [3]. Early identification and appropriate management of traumatic brain injury and its complications can alter the course and outcome especially in the first 48 hours of the injury [2] [3] [4].

What is traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury refers to neurological injury resulting from a blow to the head. The usual causes are motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and falls. They are classified as mild, moderate, and severe depending on the level and duration of loss of consciousness, verbal and motor dysfunction. Most individuals experiencing mild injury recover without further incident. Approximately 25% of those with severe traumatic brain injury die of their injuries.

What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?

Symptoms in severe traumatic brain injury include:

• Loss of consciousness for longer than 5 minutes
• Absent, diminished, or unbalanced pupil reaction
• Paralysis
• Slow heart rate
• Apnea, no or slow respirations
• Worsening level of consciousness
• Neurological deficits, loss of sensation
• Seizures
• Failure of the mental status to improve over time

Other symptoms with all levels of traumatic brain injury include:

• Confusion
• Somnolence, sleepiness
• Listlessness
• Vomiting
• Pallor
• Irritability

What causes traumatic brain injury?

The symptoms and complications of traumatic brain injury are the result of swelling and inflammation of the brain due to a blow to the head. Swelling and inflammation cause an increase in the intracranial pressure, pressure within the skull. The increased pressure decreases the flow of blood to the brain and causes ischemia of brain tissue resulting in brain cell death.

Who gets traumatic brain injury?

Anyone who sustains a blow to the head is at risk of developing a traumatic brain injury.

How is it diagnosed?

Traumatic brain injury is diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, some individuals have neurological symptoms after a traumatic injury with normal imaging findings.

How is traumatic brain injury treated?

The goal of treatment for traumatic brain injury is to maintain the oxygen supply to the brain and prevent further injury due to inflammation and ischemia of brain tissue. Treatment of severe trauma usually requires hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Patients may also need intubation and mechanical ventilation, medication for seizure prevention, and possible surgery to decrease intracranial pressure.

What are the complications?

Traumatic brain injury can result in temporary, long-term, or permanent neurological disabilities. These may include motor dysfunction (paralysis, balance or gait abnormalities), cognitive impairment (amnesia, disorientation, confusion), speech defects (aphasia, dysphasia), and psychiatric disorders (depression, ADHD, psychoses).

How can traumatic brain injury be prevented?

Preventive measures include use of technology to protect those involved in motor vehicle accidents, such as seat belts and air bags, and better sports or motorcycle helmets. The most effective measures are those that reduce the number of automobile accidents and education programs aimed at increasing the use of seat belts and helmets.

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