, about 1.4 million people in the United States experience a traumatic brain injury each year. About 50,000 people die each year as a result of brain injury, and 235,000 are hospitalized due to injury. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people in the United States living with traumatic brain injury.
What causes brain injury?
Head injuries are usually the result of trauma. Head trauma can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, recreational activities and violence (abuse). There are two types of head injury: penetrating injuries and blunt trauma injuries. Penetrating injuries occur as a result of foreign body penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or a sharp object. These injuries are often fatal. Surgery is often needed to remove the penetrating object and any residue left behind, such as bits of skull shattered. Blunt head injuries the result of direct blow to the head or rapid deceleration of the process that causes the brain to return within the skull. Blunt head injury can result from falls, motor vehicle accident or from being hit on the head with a blunt object.
What are the symptoms of brain injury?
injury may cause only mild symptoms initially, or they can be immediately life threatening, depending on the severity and mechanism of brain injury. Common symptoms include head injury:
• Loss of consciousness (may be short or long)
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Memory loss (temporary or long term)
• Changes in behavior
• blurred vision
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Balance problems
What are the symptoms present depends on the severity of injury and part of the brain is injured.
when to seek medical care?
Anytime injury is suspected, the victim should be transported to the nearest emergency room without delay. Complaints about vision problems, headache and nausea and vomiting are common and common signs of brain injury and should encourage the physician evaluation. Changes in behavior such as irritability, forgetfulness and excessive sleepiness are also red flags. It is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect injury to the brain. Ignoring the potential head injuries can have dire consequences.
What is the treatment of brain injury?
People who have suffered a mild head injury often can be seen at home, provided that someone is responsible for their care and they can return to the hospital quickly and easily to aggravate their condition.
People who have suffered serious head injuries will be hospitalized and observed. They may require surgery if they suffered penetrating brain injury. Victims will follow the signs increased intracranial pressure, which can be life threatening and may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
Specialized Tests May be required to determine how brain injury. Tests may include CT brain, MRI and other tests as deemed necessary. People with severe brain injuries may require monitoring in the ICU (intensive care unit ).
What is the prognosis for head injury?
forecast a head injury will depend on many factors, such as the type and mechanism of injury, as part of the brain affected by head injury, age and previous health status of the victim, and other factors. Even mild head injuries can have lasting consequences,. So medical help should be sought any time a head injury is suspected
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