Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a term that describes a vast array of injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head, following impact on the head. Impact from a fall, traffic accident, fight or heavy object on the head can cause mild injuries like a contusion, moderate injuries like a fracture of the skull and severe injuries like brain damage. Severe brain damage can be the result of objects or bone penetrating the brain tissue.
Symptoms
After a head injury, someone can become unconscious. It is also possible that a person doesn't remember moments from before the impact. This is called post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Besides unconsciousness and PTA, the following symptoms may occur:
- Very quiet (not crying)
- Headache
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Coordination loss (problems with walking) or weakness in arms of legs
- Dizziness
Treatment
In the early phase after traumatic brain injury, survival and prevention of (further) brain damage are the main priorities. Neurosurgical intervention is often necessary after a severe injury.
Within UNCH Haaglanden Medical Center and Leiden University Medical Center are specialised in treating patients with traumatic brain injury. More information can be found on the NVvN website.