What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a result of an external/violent blow or force to the head causing bruising and bleeding to the brain. It can also cause other injuries such as skull fractures or facial injuries.

The severity of Traumatic Brain Injury depends on the patient’s response to trauma. It can be classified as:

• Mild TBI - A patient may initially experience a brief period of loss of consciousness, may be disoriented, and confused with or without accompanying headaches, nausea/vomiting, or dizziness.
• Moderate TBI - A patient may experience loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours, persistent headaches, vomiting, nausea or even other symptoms such as seizures, weakness, profound confusion and loss of coordination.
• Severe TBI - A patient may be comatose and unresponsive, may have non-stop seizures, and may need immediate medical treatment as life-threatening complications will quickly set in.

How do you know if you have a traumatic brain injury?

• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Blurred / loss of vision
• Tinnitus or ringing sound in the ears
• Lethargy or weakness of one or both extremities
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Behavioral/Mood changes / Cognitive dysfunction
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Lightheadedness or dizziness            

 What are the causes of TBI?

• Accidents such as falls, car or motorcycle crashes, and vehicular accidents.
• Physical assault
• Contact injury from sports and other activities. 

Who are at risk of TBI?

• Children, under four years old
• Elderly people, aged 60 years old and above
• People who work in an active environment (e.g. construction, sports, etc.)

What happens when you have TBI?

An external force or injury causes the brain to swell, increasing its volume and changing its pressure. The blood flow in and to the brain will be reduced and might be unequally distributed, which may lead to temporary or permanent brain damage.

When / who do you consult?

If you experience a fall, car accident, or physical assault, go to the nearest emergency facility or seek immediate medical attention for further evaluation.

How is traumatic brain injury diagnosed?

To distinguish the severity and extent of your brain injury,

your doctor may order the following:

• Neurological and Physical Examination
• Blood tests
• Neuroimaging (CT Scan or MRI)

What are the available treatment options?

The goal in treating TBI is to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen to the brain, control adequate blood pressure, and maintain stability. 

• Oxygen support
• Medications, such as pain relievers, sedative, diuretics, and anti-seizure medications
• Surgery- to remove blood clots in the brain

What are the possible complications of head trauma?

If left untreated or undiagnosed, brain injury can lead to:

• Permanent disability
• Comatose or vegetative state
• Death

How can The Medical City help you?

At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of physicians who can assess, diagnose, and treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Our Emergency Department is also equipped with facilities to manage patients with TBI.

For inquiries, you may contact:

INSTITUTE OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES

Department of Neurology

Tel. No.: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 9887000 Loc. 6270

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Ground Floor, Podium Building, The Medical City
Tel. No.: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 9887000 Loc. 6174/7876

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

References:

• Ainsworth, C., MD. (2018, April 22). Head Trauma: Background, Epidemiology, Etiology. Retrieved June 3, 2018, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/433855-overview#a7
• Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page. (2018, April 11). Retrieved June 3, 2018 from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/All-Disorders/Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Information-Page