Brain Conditions

Brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending upon impact on level of consciousness at the time they occur. These result from the brain violently coming into contact with the skull or the skull being penetrated. Following the initial event, additional factors such as other associated injuries can cause oxygen delivery to the brain to be compromised, such as when blood pressure falls, causing the brain to be further deprived of needed nutrients. Symptoms of a mild injury, often called a concussion, include brief or no loss of consciousness, confusion, sleep problems, sensitivity to light, headache, vomiting, poor balance, fatigue, and blurry vision. Symptoms of moderate to severe brain injury include a more significant impact on level of consciousness, or dilated pupils, restlessness, slurred speech, and severe confusion. Symptoms related to a brain injury may show up immediately or not be recognizable for days or weeks. Seizures may occur. Diagnosis is typically made based on a history of events, neurological examination, and CT scan.

Brain injury may be the result of a fall, assault, accident, or even combat trauma. Surgery is often necessary to reduce pressure upon healthy brain tissue, which can become compressed within the confined space inside the skull by either blood clots or swelling damaged brain tissue. A brain injury may result in permanent physical, mental, and psychological challenges. Rehabilitation can aid in recovery from lingering effects of brain injury, and ideally involves a team approach led by a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and also includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.