What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury, often referred to as TBI, is any disruption of the normal function of the brain due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.

A traumatic brain injury is very different from broken limbs or other muscle injuries. Most often, these body structures heal and regain their previous function. Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries. Recovery is a functional recovery based on mechanisms that remain uncertain. No two brain injuries are alike and the consequence of two similar injuries may be very different varying from person to person. Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury.

According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the top 3 causes of TBI are:

• Falls
• Being struck on the head by an object
• Motor vehicle accidents (MVA)

Prevention of a traumatic brain injury is crucial as there is no cure. TBI can lead to temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical and psychosocial functions.

Below is a list of terms and definitions that refer to the mechanisms of injuries of Traumatic Brain Injury Albuquerque.

• Closed Head Injury–Direct force to the head with no penetration of the skull.
• Open Head Injury– Penetration of the skull with direct injury to the head.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury– Diffuse cellular injury to the brain from rapid rotational movement. This is very common in motor vehicle accidents or injuries where shaking is involved.
• Brain Contusion– A bruise to a part of the brain leads to bleeding into the tissue.
• Secondary Injury– Swelling and production of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and cell injury or death.

If you or someone you know has suffered from traumatic brain injury in Albuquerque, you should seek medical attention immediately.