There are around a quarter of a million hospitalizations related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. They tend to be more common among adults over 55 years old with the highest population being 75 or older. However, it can happen to anyone at any age.
What is TBI?
TBI is a head injury that impairs brain function. It is typically caused by either a jolt, bump, or blow to the head, or a penetrating injury, like a deep puncture that passes through the skull, or a gunshot.
There are three classifications of TBI:
- Mild TBI (or concussion)
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI
While severe TBI can leave the person with debilitating disabilities, even a mild TBI can be serious. Any head injury should be evaluated by a medical professional, especially if it is accompanied by a sudden, severe headache, blurry vision, confusion, a strong surge of emotions like anger or sadness, nausea, and dizziness.
What Causes TBI?
The brain is encased in the skull, but within the skull, there are hard, bony ridges. The sudden movement that results from a jolt, blow, or bump will cause the brain to twist or bounce in the skull against these ridges. This can cause physical injury to the brain tissue. The force of the injury can cause the brain’s chemical makeup to change and even damage and stretch brain cells.
Any TBI can be serious so you should never dismiss any injury to your head.
The most common causes of TBIs are:
- Falls – they top the list of TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States. It is particularly common in adults age 75 and older.
- Firearm-related injuries – include suicide and are one of the leading causes of TBI-related deaths in the country.
- Assaults – another common cause of TBI.
- Motor vehicle crashes – a very common way that people of all ages are injured. Even whiplash can cause a TBI, so children involved in car accidents must receive prompt medical care and are thoroughly evaluated.
What are the Effects of a TBI on a Person?
Depending on the severity of the TBI and the area of the brain affected, a person may experience frequent headaches, mental health issues, and even paralysis. They may have difficulty doing things that they were once able to do such as a job skill or activity. It can also impact their ability to care for themselves. They may need help with basic life skills like showering, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
They may be impacted cognitively or physically – or both. Personality changes are common as are agitation and depression. Sometimes these effects go away, but sometimes they do not. Many who have a TBI suffer from the effects for the rest of their lives.
Can TBI Improve or Heal?
Great strides have been made in recent years and people who have had a TBI have a better chance at regaining a somewhat better quality of life than others before them. However, many still suffer from lasting effects.
The good news is, recent scientific breakthroughs have opened even more doors for healing of a TBI, even those that are moderate or severe. Neurofeedback has changed the lives of TBI victims of all ages giving them more functionality and mobility than they and their families ever dared to hope for.
Neurofeedback, or Neuro Therapy, actually changes the activity of the brainwaves through a process called operant conditioning. It addresses the underlying cause of the problem and restores normal function to the brainwaves. Best of all, the results are usually permanent.
If you or a loved one is suffering from traumatic brain injury, there are options with proven scientific backing. Contact Sandstone Center for Neurofeedback today to schedule a consultation and find out if neurofeedback is right for you.
*Sandstone Center for Neurofeedback does not diagnose medical conditions. Sandstone Center for Neurofeedback is a nonmedical, medication-free program for children and adults who struggle.