Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – A Comprehensive Guide
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) What, How, and Why I thought…
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) What, How, and Why
I thought I might give an overview and brief introduction to what I will be covering next: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I was diagnosed with TBI a few years ago if my memory serves me right. That’s the thing, you see – having a TBI robs you of memories. Sometimes that can be a good thing (if you want to forget something), but other times it’s not so great.
The symptoms and causes vary greatly from person to person. (But as I try to get back on track), when you want to remember the things you need, you often try hard to recall them, but sometimes you just can’t.
So with that introduction, I would like to welcome you back to another minute in the clouds with Greg.
My name is Greg Shaw, and for the past 15 days, I have been doing a live stream on YouTube. Today is Day 16!
A Minute in the Clouds With Greg Day 16!
If you haven’t seen the other articles, please check them out. And if you’re new to the channel, welcome! I’m very glad you’re here. If you enjoy these videos and articles, please consider subscribing to the channel and the newsletter. One day, I will get around to making that newsletter. You may need to give me a nudge!
It’s not easy to create when you have ADHD, a brain injury, and other things going on. Leave a comment with any feedback on how I can improve these videos or any content you would like to see, and I will try to make that happen. So let’s dive in…
I won’t go into much detail in today’s video and article. Consider this as a “primer” for the topic. Hopefully, I can calm the thoughts and ideas bouncing around in my head like Kangaroos that are jacked up on Mountain Dew. And if I can stop getting distracted by squirrels with shiny things disappearing down rabbit holes. I might be able to gather some thoughts, facts, and data to answer common (and not-so-common) questions on the subject.
Now, what was I saying? Oh yeah, let’s begin.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
For many people, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can seem overwhelming. Unfamiliar terms and complex medical jargon can make it challenging to truly understand this condition. In this section, I aim to simplify TBI’s ‘what,’ ‘how,’ and ‘why,’ providing a clearer picture of this serious health concern.
At its most basic level, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden force or impact on the head or body. This force can lead to brain damage, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild consciousness changes to severe, long-term cognitive impairment.
- Mild TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells.
- Moderate TBI can cause long-lasting or even permanent physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments.
- Severe TBI often results in prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia and can be life-threatening.
How Does Traumatic Brain Damage
TBI typically occurs due to a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. This can result from a variety of incidents, such as:
- Falls: From bed, stairs, slips, and trips.
- Vehicle-related collisions: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians.
- Violence: Domestic violence, child abuse, gunshot wounds.
- Sports injuries: Football, boxing, soccer, skateboarding, and other high-impact or extreme sports.
- Explosive blasts and combat injuries: Particularly common in military personnel.
Why Is Understanding Important?
Understanding TBI is vital for several reasons:
- It’s prevalent: According to the CDC, About about 30% of all injury deaths in the United States can be attributed to a TBI
- That’s about 153 people who die each day from injuries that include a TBI.
- It has long-term effects: TBI can lead to a wide range of issues affecting cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.
- It impacts the quality of life: People who have experienced a TBI may face challenges in their daily lives, including difficulties with relationships, employment, and achieving independence.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
By deepening our understanding of TBI – what it is, how it occurs, and why it matters – we can contribute to greater awareness, improved treatment, and better support for individuals living with TBI.
Reference: Brainline, “Traumatic Brain Injury Basics“
The Technicalities: What Constitutes a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Despite its prevalence, there is often confusion surrounding the exact definition of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This section aims to clarify the specifics and provide a more technical understanding of TBI.
Medical Definition
From a medical perspective, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined as a disruption in the brain’s normal function that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild” (i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to “severe” (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss after the injury).
Mechanisms of TBI
Two main mechanisms can lead to a TBI:
- Impact loading: This refers to injuries resulting from a direct impact to the head, such as when the head hits a windshield during a car accident.
- Inertial loading: These are injuries that occur without direct impact. They are caused by acceleration, deceleration, or rotational forces, such as those experienced in a whiplash injury.
These forces can cause different brain injuries, including contusions, lacerations, and diffuse axonal injuries.
Types of Damage in TBI
TBI can cause two types of brain damage:
- Primary brain damage occurs during the impact, such as skull fracture, lacerations to the brain, or blood vessel damage.
- Secondary brain damage evolves over time after the trauma, such as brain swelling, fever, or seizures.
Understanding these technicalities can help us recognize TBI’s potential severity and implications and the urgency for immediate and appropriate medical intervention following head injuries.
Reference: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page“
Today, I am grateful for my Brain Injury Therapist, Ashley. She is patient, kind, and understanding and has given me much encouragement. She will probably smile if she ever hears this!
What Are You Grateful for Today?
What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments any content or topics you would like me to discuss.
As always, thank you for watching. I love you all! I hope you enjoyed today’s content. See you tomorrow, and remember: TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND.