What is a Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Concussion, also called traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the tissues or blood vessels of the brain and/or brain stem caused by any sudden movement to the head or body that violently shakes the brain inside the skull. A blow to the head or body, a whiplash of the head and neck, a fall or other trauma may result in a concussion / TBI.

 

Concussion / TBI can occur without the individual having to lose consciousness. Often times there are no visible signs of a concussion / TBI but there may be symptoms or changes in behavior as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and listed below: 

 

Thinking

·         Feeling mentally foggy

·         Problems concentrating

·         Problems remembering

·         Feeling more slowed down

 

Emotional

·         Irritability

·         Sadness

·         Feeling more emotional

·         Nervousness

 

Sleep

·         Drowsiness

·         Sleeping more than usual

·         Sleeping less than usual

·         Trouble falling asleep

 

Physical

·         Headaches

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Dizziness

·         Balance problems

·         Visual problems

·         Sensitivity to light

·         Sensitivity to noise

·         Numbness / Tingling

·         Fatigue

 

Physicians can significantly improve patient outcomes when concussion/ traumatic brain injury (TBI) is suspected or diagnosed by implementing early management and appropriate referral.  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

For more information on concussion /TBI please click on read more.

 

RED FLAGS… Read More

 

Call 911 or seek emergency care right away…

if you are with a person suspected of just having suffered a concussion and the person demonstrates any of the following symptoms below:

·         Headaches that worsen

·         Looks very drowsy, can't be awakened

·         Can't recognize people or places

·         Unusual behavioral change

·         Seizures

·         Repeated vomiting

·         Increasing confusion

·         Increasing irritability

·         Neck pain

·         Slurred speech

·         Weakness or numbness in arms or legs

·         Loss of consciousness

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)