Common Problems in Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBI
When thinking of the term traumatic brain injury (TBI), often what comes to mind is someone who has had a catastrophic incident that has resulted in a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, or other very serious consequence of head trauma. People may imagine the cause of such injuries come from events like a bad auto accident, a combat injury, a snowboarder falling head-first into the lip of a half-pipe, or a bicycle racer losing control on a steep descent and crashing at high speed.
While all these scenarios are possible, the cause of most TBIs is far less dramatic, but can still disrupt brain function and result in numerous symptoms and lasting cognitive problems or mental health issues.
EVERY TBI MATTERS!
According to the CDC, there are approximately 2.5 million emergency room visits each year for TBIs; however, we know that many head injuries are never reported. So often, people hit their head—”get their bell rung”—and don’t think much about it afterward, unless they have some symptoms. Even though someone doesn’t crack their skull or is wearing a helmet, it does not mean the brain didn’t get hurt. Here’s why: The brain is very soft, like the texture of soft butter. It sits inside a very hard skull which is designed to protect it. BUT when you hit your head, something hits you in the head, or your head gets jerked really hard (such as whiplash), the force can cause your brain to slam into the inside of the skull, which has boney ridges that help keep the brain in place. The force against your brain from any kind of impact can cause shearing of the axons (the connecting fibers that let cells communicate) and disrupt normal function in the brain. The brain can also get “bruised” (a contusion), it can bleed, or it can develop blood clots which are potentially fatal. As amazing and powerful as our brains are, they are also very delicate. The force against your brain from any kind of impact can cause shearing of the axons (the connecting fibers that let cells communicate) and other problems that disrupt normal function in the brain.THE 3 LEVELS OF TBI
Depending on the severity of a brain injury, a person may have a few symptoms—or many—and have them in varying degrees. Traumatic brain injuries are classified into 3 levels: mild, moderate, and severe based on:- If and how long there was a loss of consciousness
- The duration of amnesia or any memory problems related to the event
- Score on the Glasgow Coma Scale which assesses any visual, movement, and speech problems from the event
1. Severe TBI
With severe traumatic brain injuries, there is significant damage to the brain and most people must be hospitalized for a period of time. Severe TBIs can result in damage to any number of important areas of function, such as motor coordination, speech, cognition, vision, and capacity for self-care. Many patients will undergo extensive rehabilitation to help regain—or at least improve—functions that were diminished or lost due to the injury. Some brain damage may be permanent.2. Moderate TBI
With moderate TBI, symptoms can appear almost immediately or within a few days of the injury. As with severe TBI, moderate head trauma can cause impairment in important functions too, but to a lesser degree. These patients can also struggle with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vision or speech problems, sensitivity to light and sound, cognitive changes, and mood problems, among others. Some may fully recover from their symptoms, but some people may not.3. Mild TBI
This type of brain injury is what we often refer to as a concussion and accounts for the vast majority of TBIs. There are many causes, including motor vehicle accidents; sports such as football, soccer, hockey—even cheerleading; recreational activities; falls; and assaults. With a concussion, a person may develop symptoms right away or after a few days or weeks. Common symptoms include:- Confusion or disorientation
- Headaches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
- Difficulty with concentration
- Moodiness
- Sleep issues
- Balance problems
LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF MILD TBI/CONCUSSIONS
The term “mild TBI” is deceiving, and it causes many people to overlook the potential long-term consequences of concussions and repeated concussions. A study published in JAMA Neurology in February 2021 examined the frequency of repeated head impacts of Division 1 college football players. The research found that players had an average of 415 impacts to their heads each season! Interestingly, most of these occurred during practice and preseason training. This is very concerning because of the growing research about the long-term consequences of repetitive trauma to the brain. Left untreated, even mild TBI/concussions can increase the risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, aggression and behavior problems, dementia, and even suicide. Left untreated, even mild TBI/concussions can increase the risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, aggression and behavior problems, dementia and even suicide.YOUR BRAIN CAN GET BETTER AFTER A TBI
Even if your TBI was a while ago, there are things you can do to make it better. Choosing healthy lifestyle changes to take care of your brain now can make all the difference in the world.Here are 5 easy tips to help you get started:
- Eat a brain-healthy diet with lots of greens and fresh produce, high-quality protein, and low-glycemic carbs.
- Exercise regularly to help boost blood flow to your brain.
- Manage your stress with meditation/prayer or yoga.
- Exercise your brain by learning new things and doing online brain games.
- Help your brain with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a non-invasive treatment that uses pure oxygen to speed the healing process.
