How to identify a brain injury

Every 21 seconds someone sustains a traumatic brain injury in the US

WAUSAU, Wis. – Each year an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in 230,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The brain is one of the most important organs in the body and if injured can lead to potentially harmful short or even long-term effects.

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. This month we focus on educating people about the symptoms and effects of brain injuries.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain and may happen when there is a blow, bump, jolt, or penetration to the head. Brain injuries can range from mild or minor brain injuries, such as a concussion or from moderate to several, resulting in a loss of consciousness.

Minor brain injuries that result in a concussion can be monitored at home after a medical checkup. People with moderate to severe brain injuries may need ongoing care to help with recovery.

“When we don’t see an injury with our eyes sometimes it’s harder to comprehend the severity of it and the importance of getting proper care. Brain injuries should be taken as serious as any other physical injury and medical advice should be carefully followed to ensure complete recovery,” says Aspirus Physical Therapist Megan Stankowski.

When it comes to brain injuries most individuals exhibit both physical and mental symptoms.

Physical	Mental
Dizziness or balance problems Headaches Nausea or vomiting                       Vision problems	Attentions or concentration problems Feeling slowed down, foggy, or groggy Memory loss Trouble thinking clearly

 

For mild brain injuries and concussions, take time to relax at home to allow the brain to recover, avoid or cut down on screen time, refrain from driving, avoid all contact sports and activities and most importantly, sleep.

A sports tackle, car crash, or unfortunate fall can all lead to a brain injury and can happen to anyone at any age. It’s important to closely monitor individuals with a potential brain injury and to see a doctor or call 911 if symptoms worsen.

For more information about brain injuries, please visit cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury