tramatic brain injury

What You Need to Know About Traumatic Brain Injury

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Traumatic brain injuries are complex neurological injuries that may go undetected in the immediate care resulting from a car accident or other traumatic injury. Traumatic brain injuries are classified as either mild or severe. According to the Traumatic Brain Injury website, “A brain injury can be classified as mild if loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. While MRI and CAT scans are often normal, the individual has cognitive problems such as headache, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and frustration. These injuries are commonly overlooked. Even though this type of TBI is called “mild”, the effect on the family and the injured person can be devastating.”

The distinction between severe and mild brain injury concerns the amount of time the victim has lost consciousness, memory loss, or a penetrating skull injury. The TBI website notes, “The deficits range from impairment of higher level cognitive functions to comatose states. Survivors may have limited function of arms or legs, abnormal speech or language, loss of thinking ability or emotional problems. The range of injuries and degree of recovery is very variable and varies on an individual basis.” Traumatic brain injury affects the victim, the family and friends. Recovery is arduous and involves the support and expertise of caregivers. TBI changes lives and affects relationships. March is dedicated to brain injuries so that the public recognizes the impact of such injuries on loved ones and the entire community.

Mark Abramson
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