Traumatic brain injury overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when physical trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury and is one of two subsets of acquired brain injury (ABI). The other subset is non-traumatic brain injury, or injuries that do not involve external mechanical force (e.g. stroke, meningitis, anoxia). Parts of the brain that can be damaged include the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brain stem.
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. TBI can cause a host of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social effects. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.
Causes
Transportation accidents involving automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians cause half of all TBIs and the largest portion of TBI in people under age 75.[1] For those aged 75 and older, falls cause the majority of TBIs.[1] Approximately 20% of TBIs are due to violence, such as firearm assaults and child abuse, and about 3% are due to sports injuries.[1] Half of TBI incidents involve alcohol use.[1]
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Head injured people with signs of moderate or severe TBI should receive immediate emergency medical attention.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Traumatic Brain Injury: Hope Through Research. NINDS. Publication date February 2002. NIH Publication No. 02-2478. Prepared by: Office of Communications and Public Liaison, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health