What should I know about traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A TBI occurs after a penetrating injury or a severe blow to your head that makes your brain bounce against the sides of the skull. Depending on the severity of the trauma, your brain may develop problems such as:
- Hematoma, or a blood clot in the brain or on its surface
- Cerebral contusion, or bruising
- Intracerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding within the brain tissue
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding in the space surrounding the brain
- Hydrocephalus, or a buildup of fluid in cavities deep inside the brain
- Diffuse axonal injuries, or stretching or tearing of the nerves
You may also have a skull fracture in the form of a simple break or a fracture that pushes into your brain.
What symptoms occur when I have a brain injury?
Brain injuries are classified as:
Mild TBI or concussion
You may briefly lose consciousness, but you usually stay awake.
Moderate TBI
You may feel lethargic or lose consciousness for 20 minutes to 6 hours, but you can be wakened.
Severe TBI
You lose consciousness longer than 6 hours and you don’t wake or open your eyes even when stimulated.
The overall symptoms caused by a TBI include:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Changes in mood or emotions
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Your brain may also suffer a delayed injury, called a secondary brain injury, as inflammation occurs and fluids build up in the days following your initial injury.
What treatment will I need after a brain injury?
Moderate to severe TBI requires hospitalization because immediate or delayed bleeding and swelling present an emergency that often needs surgery. After you’re discharged, either to a rehabilitation facility or home, you face ongoing challenges. You may have physical impairments and emotional disturbances, ranging from depression and frustration to rage.
As a physiatrist specializing in brain injury medicine, Dr. Mehta works with you to solve complex behavioral problems. She develops strategies that involve environmental adaptations, assistive technology, and medications if needed.
Many brain injury survivors and their families find that recovery is difficult to navigate. Dr. Mehta and her team guide you through the health care system and your daily routine, providing support, and offering reassurance that you can be reintegrated into the community and lead a life with purpose and joy.
If you suffer a TBI, compassionate care is available — call Brain and Stroke Care: Sravani Mehta, MD or schedule an appointment online.
