Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury is a disruption of the function of the brain usually caused by a jolt (such as in certain car wrecks), a blow or a penetrating injury to the head. Each year about 1.7 million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries and an estimated 5.3 million Americans need life long help due to symptoms from brain injuries according to Brainline.org. Many people fail to realize that a concussion is an injury to the brain. Folks who have been in a car wreck, suffered a blow to the head, or suffered any head trauma need to be aware of the risk of brain injury. Headaches, moodiness, problems with short term memory, problems with every day functioning, seizure activity, and loss of sense of taste or smell are all possible signs of TBI. There are other warning signs. Many times co-workers or family members notice distinct changes in a loved one who has suffered a brain injury. Brain injuries are typically classified as mild, moderate or severe. A person does not have to be knocked unconscious to have suffered a brain injury. If you have a family member or loved one struggling to get back to “normal” after a wreck, fall or other incident involving trauma or a jolt to the head, medical care providers may need to evaluate the possibility of brain injury.