A brain injury, also referred to as head injury or traumatic brain injury
(TBI),
occurs when the head is struck or hit by some external force. A brain injury
most often results when there is a blow to the head in a car accident or fall.
When the skull is seriously hit, the brain may twist within the skull. This type
of brain injury is called Diffuse Axonal Injury. After a closed brain
injury, the rotation and disruption of the brain inside the skull will sever or
shear the brain's long connecting nerve fibers. This damage can be microscopic
and difficult to measure. In cases involving "mild brain injury", the effects
may not be long term, but following more severe brain injury it can result in
permanent disability, unconsciousness and coma. Unfortunately, there is no real
treatment for Diffuse Axonal Injury. Recent studies indicate that the damage to
axons appears to progress over the first 12 to 24 hours after the injury. It is
hoped that in the near future it may be possible to prevent the progression with
specific treatments.
After a brain injury, a variety of other damage may occur including:
Hematoma (epidural, subdural and/or intracerebral); Brain swelling/edema:
Increased intracranial pressure; Cerebral vasospasm; Intracranial infection;
Epilepsy.
The long term affects of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) include cognitive
deficits, reduction in physical and psychological skills. The Physical deficits
can include walking, balance and coordination, fine motor skills and strength.
Cognitive deficits include difficulty in language and communication, information
processing, memory and perceptual skills.
Psychological status is also often altered and people suffering from
traumatic brain injury often exhibit changes personality and lifestyle.
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