The Different Levels of Traumatic Brain Injury
According to statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of hospitalizations for traumatic brain injury, second only to falls. In a collision, the head or skull can impact, with blunt force, the dashboard, windshield, or even the pavement. In addition, the snapping motion that causes whiplash can result in a traumatic brain injury.
Diagnosing the Severity of a Traumatic Brain Injury
When treating any type of trauma involving the head or skull, a medical professional’s first step is to conduct a thorough examination to determine the extent of the injury. TBIs are customarily grouped into three categories:
- Mild—Most traumatic brain injuries are considered mild, with victims making a full recovery in a few days or a couple weeks. Also commonly referred to as concussions, mild TBIs typically produce short-term headaches, some temporary nausea or vomiting, dizziness or balance problems, increased sensitivity to light or sound, mild disorientation or cognitive issues, fuzzy vision, or ringing in the ears.
- Moderate—A moderate TBI, also typically called a concussion, presents many symptoms similar to a mild TBI, but of longer duration. This may include headaches that last for days or weeks, persistent vomiting or nausea, and long-term challenges with balance, stability, or vertigo. Symptoms unique to a moderate TBI include loss of consciousness, seizures or convulsions, irritability or behavioral changes, and blood draining in your ears or nose.
- Severe—Most people who suffer a serious traumatic brain injury lose consciousness for a significant period of time. A severe TBI may be an open or closed injury and may involve penetration of the skull, skull fracture, significant swelling, inflammation in the brain, or tearing of tissue in or around the brain.
When you experience any type of bump to the head or whiplash-like injury in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, there’s a possibility of suffering a traumatic brain injury. As a general rule, the sooner you seek medical care, the more treatment options you’ll have and the greater your changes of minimizing the consequences.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who have suffered a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 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.