The Truth about TBIs
There’s been a lot of press over the last decade about traumatic brain injury, or TBI. It’s been a tremendous help in educating the general public about the prevalence and potential consequences of a bump or blow to the head, but it’s also resulted in a lot of incorrect information. Let’s set the record straight on some of the most frequent misstatements about traumatic brain injuries.
Myth—It’s Only a TBI If You Lose Consciousness
Truth: Most traumatic brain injuries (about 75%) are considered mild and most individuals who have sustained a mild TBI never lose consciousness. Nonetheless, you can experience the classic symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, from persistent headaches to nausea or vomiting, loss of balance or dizziness, or increased sensitivity to light or sound. Far too often, a person can suffer a TBI and wrongfully attribute it to a poor night’s sleep or a migraine.
Myth—It’s Only a TBI If Your Head Has Impact with Another Object
Truth: You can suffer a traumatic brain injury without impact to any part of your body from a foreign object. With a whiplash-type injury, your head and neck can snap violently back and forth, causing your brain to bounce off the inside of your skull, a common cause of TBI.
Myth—The Most Common Cause of TBI is Contact Sports
Truth: About one in every 10 traumatic brain injuries is suffered in athletic events or competition. The most common cause of TBI is falls, making up nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries. Senior citizens are most at risk for a fall-related TBI.
Myth—After a TBI, You Must Try to Stay Awake
Truth: When your brain has been injured (just like any other area of your body), one of the best remedies is rest. Sleep is fine…in fact, you may find that you need a lot more sleep for a few days. It’s also important to give your brain a rest while you’re awake. Don’t engage in mentally tasking activities, such as dense reading or doing anything that uses a screen.
Myth—An X-Ray or MRI Can Confirm Whether You Have a TBI
Truth: X-rays and MRIs only give you snapshots of what’s going on inside your body. Furthermore, an x-ray will only show bones and some connective tissue. The accurate diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury requires other diagnostic tools.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.