A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is brain damage caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head.  Recent research suggests that TBI could be associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that’s caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares, severe anxiety, and depressed mood.  In this month’s blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and long-term effects of TBI, as well as its relationship to PTSD.

What Causes TBI?

According to the CDC, 2.87 million people suffer TBI every year in the United States and it is the leading cause of death in adolescents. There are three major causes of non-fatal TBI—falls (35% of non-fatal TBI), motor vehicle accidents (17%), and strikes or blows to the head with a foreign object (17%). Children, adolescents, and senior citizens are all more vulnerable to TBI. Currently there are 5.3 million people in the United States disabled due to TBI.  (Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons)

Symptoms of TBI

In mild cases, someone may experience a brief loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or problems with speech. In a more serious injury, the symptoms can include seizures, slurred speech, eye dilation, and a loss of coordination. While some symptoms show up immediately after the event, others may not develop for days or even weeks. (Source: Mayo Clinic )

Long-Term Effects of TBI

Since our brain is the control center for our entire bodies, a brain injury can result in far-reaching impairment. Moderate or severe TBI can cause permanent physical, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral changes. The effects of the injury may result in a difficulty speaking or writing, anxiety, depression, decreased hand-eye coordination, coma, or even brain death.

TBI and PTSD

Active duty military personnel have a higher risk for TBI, and it is estimated that 10-20% of military personnel may have experienced at least a mild TBI during their deployment. There has also been an increase in diagnosed PTSD in the veteran community. It was previously thought that TBI actually shielded a victim from PTSD, but recent studies now suggest that TBI can actually increase the risk of PTSD since brain injuries in military personnel often occur in chaotic or traumatic situations.  One military study demonstrated that 44% of the participants with a mild TBI also had a positive screen for PTSD compared to 16% of service members with bodily injuries. (Source: Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience)

TBI Prevention

While most of us are not subjected to the same level of risk as a service member in combat or a fall-prone senior citizen, we still face risk of TBI in our everyday lives. We can all make wise choices in our daily routines to reduce that risk. These can include not driving under the influence, keeping firearms unloaded and locked away, wearing helmets when appropriate, and minimizing fall hazards around our homes. Saving ourselves or a loved one from a TBI can even be as simple as buckling a seatbelt!

If your loved one suffers from a TBI, please know that the Jimmy Simpson Foundation is here for you and proud to host the North Georgia Brain Injury Support Group. Contact us for more information!