Skip to main content.

Brain basics: What you should know about traumatic brain injuries

Posted March 14, 2022

brain with highlight red portion

From a car accident to a sports injury to an unfortunate fall to domestic violence or child abuse, all of these horrific scenarios can result in traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. Head injuries can happen to anyone, at any age, and can damage the brain.

A TBI occurs when a sudden bump, blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, injuring brain cells, breaking blood vessels, even creating chemical changes. It also can happen with a penetrating injury to the head, such as a gunshot wound.

TBIs can range from mild to severe. Mild TBIs, or mild concussions, can result in a brief change in consciousness, such as feeling dizzy or confused. A severe TBI, however, includes a longer period of unconsciousness, sometimes longer than one day, and can result in major problems with thinking and behavior.

But for patients who have experienced any type of head injury, it’s important they seek medical attention right away to diagnose and closely monitor their condition to help prevent further injury.

Summa Health sheds light on TBIs, who’s most at risk, symptoms and treatment because while most TBIs are mild, it’s important to know the facts so patients can get proper treatment and improve their outcomes if the unfortunate happens.

Who’s most at risk for traumatic brain injuries?

Anyone can experience a TBI, but they are more common in males and people older than age 65, according to the National Library of Medicine.

In addition, people in certain professions or activities are at a higher risk of a TBI, including:

  • Athletes
  • Construction workers
  • Police and law enforcement
  • Military members or veterans

What are common symptoms for traumatic brain injuries?

Typical symptoms of a mild TBI include:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory impairment or trouble concentrating
  • Behavioral or mood changes

Symptoms of a severe TBI can include additional symptoms, such as:

  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness in the arms or legs, or loss of coordination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Problems with thinking or learning
  • Death

What is the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries?

For any type of head injury, a provider will perform a neurologic exam and evaluate the person’s thinking, motor and sensory function, coordination and eye movement.

In addition, imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be used to rule out some of the more serious conditions, such as brain swelling or bleeding. In severe injuries, doctors may place an intracranial monitor through the skull to observe the pressure.

The majority of TBIs are mild and treatment typically involves monitoring and rest. Its important patients follow their provider’s recommendations, however, for complete rest (physical and cognitive rest) and a gradual return to normal activity. Doing too much too soon can actually prolong recovery.

A person with a moderate to severe TBI, on the other hand, needs immediate medical attention to minimize secondary damage due to inflammation, bleeding or reduced oxygen supply to the brain. Surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain or remove blood.

Common surgeries performed by neurosurgeons (brain surgeons) for moderate to severe TBIs include:

  • Hematomas: For bleeding on the outside of the brain, surgery will be performed to remove the clotted blood, which puts pressure on the brain and can damage the tissue.
  • Repairing skull fractures: Surgery may be needed to repair severe skull fractures or to remove pieces of the skull in the brain.
  • Repairing damaged tissue. Surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or dead brain tissue.
  • Craniotomy: For bleeding found deeper inside the brain, surgeons will create an opening in the skull to drain fluid or blood from the brain. A plate and screws will be used to cover the hole.
  • Craniectomy: In the most severe cases, surgeons will cut a piece of the skull off to create a “window” to enable cerebrospinal fluid to drain and allow more room for swollen tissues.

Doctors also may administer medications to limit further damage, such as anti-seizure drugs, coma-inducing drugs or diuretics to help drain fluid and pressure in the brain.

What is the prognosis for someone with a traumatic brain injury?

Recovery from a TBI is highly dependent on the individual, type of injury and severity. Older people and those who have experienced multiple head injuries, even if they were mild, can experience a longer recovery time.

People with a mild TBI typically improve and return to normal daily activities within a few weeks. Unfortunately, patients with moderate to severe brain injuries can experience life-long challenges due to significant changes to thinking and behavior and will require rehabilitation.

The type and duration of rehabilitation is different for everyone. Depending on the severity and location of the TBI, a wide range of therapists, including physical, occupational and speech therapists, and support will be necessary to help patients improve their abilities to perform daily tasks.

But whether patients suffered a mild or severe head injury, treatment and support are key to improving their condition and ultimately, their quality of life.

To learn about Summa Health's award-winning neurosurgery services, visit summahealth.org/brain or call 330.576.3500 to schedule an appointment.


About the Author

Vitality eNews Sign Up

Receive the Summa Health eNewsletter for the latest health tips, advice and updates.

Related Blogs

View all Flourish Blogs

Stroke: What You Need to Know

Strokes are very common, with one occurring every 40 seconds United States. A stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention – the longer symptoms are left untreated, the more damage a stroke can cause. Since fast care is necessary, knowing the signs and symptoms is essential so you can help someone get the care they need right away.

BE FAST and dial 911: Recognize the SUDDEN symptoms of a stroke.

  • Balance: Did the person suddenly lose balance?
  • Eye: Has the…

First-Aid Dos and Don’ts When Helping Someone Having a Seizure

It may come as a surprise, but seizures are actually a common condition. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure during their lifetime. With stats like that, you may one day find that you need to help someone during or after a seizure.

Witnessing a person having a seizure can be a truly scary event, but following general first-aid guidelines can help you provide the right care to keep a person safe.

Seizures…

7 Common Stroke Mimics That Look Like You're Having a Stroke

When you’re having a stroke, every minute counts. Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that strokes can cause and improve survival rates, while lowering disability rates. In fact, many of the most effective treatments are only available if the stroke is diagnosed within three hours of symptoms.

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to any region of the brain is reduced or blocked completely. Strokes are the No. 5 cause of death…

Get your top questions about epilepsy answered

Epilepsy is more common than you might think. It’s estimated 3.4 million adults and children in this country are living with epilepsy, with about 150,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that leads to disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity, causing repeated seizures. These seizures occur when the nerve cells fire more rapidly and with less control than…

Are you experiencing increasing memory lapses When it's normal and when to be concerned

Where is my phone? Did someone take my keys from their hook? We all forget things at one time or another. That’s why Find My iPhone and Bluetooth key finders exist on the market.

But if you find yourself worried about these or other similar instances of forgetfulness or memory loss, you’re not alone. Subtle changes in memory occur naturally as part of the aging process.

In fact, about 40 percent of people in this country age 65 and older deal with the mildest form &…

The Future of Epilepsy Care Begins Now [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsDr. Marvin Rossi leads a discussion on epilepsy, covering symptoms, treatment, as well as new practices in care.

What you need to know about Alzheimer's disease

Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Sadly, it is the country’s sixth leading cause of death.

Although the risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, it is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the progressive deterioration, or…

Stroke Signs, Symptoms, and Recovery [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsListen to this episode of the Healthy Vitals Podcast featuring Susana Bowling, MD, FAHA, FNCS.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Symptoms, Stages, and Support [Podcast]

Amanda Harvan sheds light on the symptoms, stages and support of Alzheimer's.

Neurosurgeons: Who they are and what they treat

A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This complex network is made up of the brain, spinal cord, skull and vertebrae as well as the cranial and spinal nerves outside the central nervous system. 

These brain and nerve disorders can include:
• Congenital problems such as hydrocephalus and scoliosis
Trauma such as head injuries and vertebral fractures
Tumors and cysts of the brain and spine…

Migraines vs. Headaches: What’s the Difference?

We’ve all been there at one time or another: Throbbing pain between the temples and pressure behind the eyes so great that we have to take a time out and lie down. It’s the all-too-familiar headache, right? Not so fast. 

When there is pain and pressure in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether it’s a headache or a migraine.

When people think of a migraine, they typically think of the most severe headache. But headaches are only one symptom of a…

Neurodegenerative disease: What you need to know about Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people in this country. 

It’s estimated there are 5 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, the Parkinson’s Foundation states there’s about 1 million people who suffer from the disease in this country, with more than 60,000 patients being newly diagnosed each year. 

Neurodegenerative…

Alzheimer's disease: Top 5 myths debunked

Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.

Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with memory, thinking and other cognitive behaviors. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out…

Stroke Care: What is a thrombectomy?

According to the CDC, someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds. Those patients who receive emergency care greatly increase their rate of survival and shorten recovery time. A stroke occurs when blood supply is reduced or cut off from the brain, and that root cause is sometimes due to a blood clot.

When a patient comes in and is diagnosed with a stroke, medications can be administered intravenously to break up and restore blood flow back to the brain. However, this…

Outstanding Stroke Care at Summa Health

In May, we celebrate Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and the leading cause of adult disability. A stroke occurs when part of the brain does not get blood flow. A blood clot can block a blood vessel or artery, or a blood vessel can break. When this occurs, brain cells die quickly. When the cells die, the body loses control of the abilities that area of the brain once controlled.

[{"RootId":"ba198066-3078-4dcd-8e69-28251bebb940","RootUrl":"/glossary/"}]

Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.