A disruption in brain function or other signs of brain illness brought on by an external impact is referred to as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Two types of traumatic impact injuries are closed (or non-penetrating) and open (penetrating).

Causes

• Falls
• Assaults
• Vehicle accidents
• Sports and recreational injury
• Abusive head trauma
• Gunshot injuries
• Injuries at work
• Domestic/child abuse
• Military action (blasts)

Symptoms

Traumatic brain injury can have long-term or short-term impacts on a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and physiological well-being.

TBI symptoms include:

• Changes in behaviour or mood.
• Confusion or difficulties with recollection.
• Seizures and convulsions.
• Eyes dilated or eyesight blurred.
• A feeling of lightheadedness or fainting or exhaustion.
• Headaches
• Vomiting and nausea
• Anxiety or restlessness.
• Smell and light sensitivity.
• Either too much or not enough sleep
• Slurred speech

The following are possible impacts for toddlers and infants who have had traumatic brain injuries:

• Become inconsolable and weep uncontrollably.
• Refuse to eat, drink, or nurse.

Diagnosis

You’ll be examined and asked about symptoms. The doctor will want to know how the injury happened. Depending on the severity, you may have: 

• Neurology exam
• A CT scan or MRI detects haemorrhage and oedema in the brain.
• The Banyan Brain Trauma IndicatorTM (BTI) tests blood for proteins that will reveal concussion or mild TBI.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your overall well-being. It can include counselling, surgery, rehabilitation and rest.