Brain injury, also referred to as Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and intracranial injury, is usually cased by a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head which causes the tearing of nerve fibers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the US, nearly one third of injury related deaths in the country are caused by brain injury. It has been found that not only a blow but also sudden and rapid acceleration or significant deceleration have the potential of causing brain injury.

The severity of brain injury depends on which part of the brain is affected. While In mild cases of brain injury the affected person may experience only headache and confusion which are temporary, in cases where the severity of brain injury is enormous the patient can experience unconsciousness, disability amnesia, coma and even death.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injury
Symptoms of Brain Injury are so subtle that they might not make their appearance for days or even weeks after the injury. Some suffers may feel or behave in a different manner even though they may look well.

Since our brain is responsible for controlling our thoughts, movements, behaviors and sensations. Brian injury can have many different psychological and physical effects. The most common signs and symptoms of brain injury are lethargy, confusion, fatigue, tiredness, perennial headaches, tinnitus, nausea, loss of sense of smell or taste. Both adults and children experience same symptoms mentioned above. However, children are no able to tell how they feel. So if you child is has suffered a blow or jolt to the head and symptoms like Irritability, Loss of balance, Tiredness and Vomiting are noticeable, it is time seek help from a doctor.

Diagnosing brain injury
There is urgent need to diagnose brain injury since it may result in more complications. Imaging scans of the brain help find out whether there is any brain injury/damage, and where. CT (computed tomography) scan, X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, angiography, EEG (electroencephalography), are used to determine the extent of brain injury.

Treatment Brain injury
While treating the sufferer of brain injury, the medical professionals focus their attention on the prevention of any further worsening of brain damage.

The possible complications of Brian Injury
Seizures, infections, nerve damage and cognitive problems are some of the complications of Brian injury. Brian injury also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease later in life. It is found that the greater the severity of the brain injury, the higher the risk of developing seizures.

Preventing Head injury
It is often said prevention is better than cure. It is advisable to wear a seatbelt when you drive your vehicle or ride as a passenger. Drinking and driving is deadly combination. So you should keep away from driving when you are under the influence of alcohol.

The article above is part of our website blog and does not represent opinion or advice of Marissa A Barrera and other staff members.