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Falls and road accidents are the main causes of traumatic brain injuries across the globe. TBIs are medical conditions in which there is a severe blow to the head and the brain hits against the skull. Penetrating injuries such as being hit by a bullet, or a sharp weapon can also cause TBI. Do you know that concussions are also a mild type of TBI? Some more serious cases of TBI can cause physical and psychological impacts and can result in coma or death. Do you know athletes, military and police personnel, and construction workers are at high risk of TBI due to the risks attached to their respective jobs?
This article is dedicated to unfolding all the aspects of traumatic brain injury. Continue reading to gather reliable and accurate information on aspects like signs and symptoms, treatment options, recovery phase and supportive care.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms are as follows:
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Loss of consciousness
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Headache
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Confusion
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Fatigue
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Changes in behaviour
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Trouble concentrating or remembering anything.
Symptoms can turn more severe in case of serious TBI such as:
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Seizures
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Slurred speech
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Dilated pupil
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Loss of coordination.
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Weakness or numbness in arms and legs.
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Repeated vomiting and nausea.
Diagnosis of Brain Injuries
An experienced neurosurgeon near you in Ghaziabad will prescribe some tests to determine the type of brain injury, its location in the brain, the severity and the complications involved. Based on this evaluation, a neurosurgeon will craft a
customised treatment plan involving medications, surgeries, therapies or all of them to restore the functions of the brain. The diagnostic tests prescribed could be the following:
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CT Scan or MRI
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PET Scan
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X-ray
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Neurological evaluation: tests your motor functions, sensory functions, memory and thinking.
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Blood Tests: Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator™ (BTI) checks for essential proteins in the blood.
Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The TBI treatment can be short or long in duration depending on the degree of severity. Mild TBIs can be treated with medication, rest from strenuous activities, stress management and lifestyle modifications.
In the case of severe TBI injury, the treatment can continue for a longer time period and may involve the following:
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Surgery to remove the damaged or dead tissues, repair the fractured skull, relieve pressure from the skull, remove foreign bodies (bullets), and remove clotted blood.
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Medicines to prevent blood clotting, anxiety, and depression. A neurosurgeon may also prescribe medicines such as muscle relaxants and stimulants to increase alertness.
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Rehabilitation therapies such as speech therapy to enhance communication and swallowing disorders, cognitive therapy to improve memory, attention, and learning etc., and psychological counselling to enhance emotional well-being.
TBI sufferers can have long-term impairments. A TBI increases your chance of developing additional medical conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The quality of life can be improved by treating these issues under the guidance and treatment of a highly qualified and experienced neurosurgeon in Ghaziabad.
Can Traumatic Brain Injuries Be Prevented?
Yes, they can be prevented as the most common reason for TBIs is a fall or an accident. Being careful while performing day-to-day activities and while driving can prevent accidents. Some other things that need your attention are for TBI prevention:
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Medicines
There are various medicines that people consume over the counter without knowing that they may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. Most anti-depressants and anti-histamines can make you feel sleepy which makes you less alert and more prone to falls or accidents that may cause head injuries. You may ask for an alternate or only consume the medicines prescribed by the doctors.
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Vision
Opt for regular eye exams, and get the corrective measures done to restore clear vision. It can also prevent slips and falls, saving you from traumatic brain injuries.
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Fall-proof Spaces
Install handrails on the stairs, invest in footwear that is non-slippery, buy rugs and carpets that don't slip, and get walking assist devices for elders, so that you can avoid accidents.
There have been cases, where the patient has suffered or is suffering from mild TBI and is unaware. Knowing the warning signals will help you obtain the medical attention you require immediately before it worsens. Lifelong physical, behavioural, and mental health issues can result from severe TBIs but can be treated and controlled depending on the severity, age, overall health and other parameters.
We at Manipal Hospitals have an experienced team of highly qualified and competent neurosurgeons in Ghaziabad and a high-end technology-equipped facility to treat any case of Traumatic Brain Injury. Explore our blog page to read interesting and informative medical content on various lifestyle topics. You can also book an appointment with our neuro experts for a second opinion or for any diagnostic or curative procedure.
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