The human brain is extremely complex and incredibly fragile, with only a quarter of an inch of skull on average separating it from the outside world. Our brain serves so many crucial functions and is made up of multiple systems and structures.
From the way our heart beats to the way our eyes see or our ears hear, the brain is the foundation of it all. So what happens when an external force like a brain injury changes the way our brain functions? Continue reading for an overview of a few types of brain injuries and how to best avoid them.
Types of Brain Injuries
There are two types of brain injury that disrupt the brain’s normal functioning. They are classified as traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury.
Traumatic injuries happen as a result of external force to the head. This type of injury causes the brain to move inside of the skull, resulting in damage to the brain. Acquired brain injuries happen when pressure gets put on the brain itself. This type could also be classified as a non-traumatic injury. This can happen from something like a stroke, tumor, or lack of oxygen to the brain.
These two types can be further broken down depending on the occurrence of the injury.
Specific Injuries
Specific types of head injuries can include the following:
- Concussion
- Edema
- Hematoma
- Skull fracture
- Hemorrhage
- Contusions
Common brain injuries like concussions would fall under the traumatic brain injury umbrella. They cause things like headaches, memory loss, concentration problems, and disorientation. Multiple concussions sustained over time can be dangerous and should be treated seriously.
Other common head injuries like contusions or skull fractures can physically alter the brain causing bleeding or swelling within the brain.
Prevention
Common causes of injuries to the brain happen as a result of things like car accidents, acts of violence, abuse, sporting activities, and even long-term high blood pressure. You can prevent your chances of a brain injury by following simple rules such as:
- Wearing your seatbelt
- Never drive under the influence
- Wear a helmet while riding a bike or playing a contact sport
- Improve your strength to improve balance
- Create a safe play place for children to avoid falls or hard contact areas
Symptoms
Depending on the injury at hand, various symptoms can indicate how severe the injury may be and which brain problems may result. For example, severe injuries such as a hemorrhage can induce headaches or vomiting.
Other symptoms of brain injuries won’t appear immediately. However, you can monitor and keep an eye out for symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Spinning sensations
More severe injuries may present as:
- Seizures
- Inability to focus
- Loss of muscle control
- Memory loss
- Extreme changes in mood
Help
Sustaining a brain injury will likely require specialized care. At times, rehabilitation may even be required for long-term help. At times, the negligent actions of others can be the cause of a traumatic brain injury.
If this is the case, you may want to contact a brain injury lawyer to help document the litigation process and for help holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Healing on the Brain
No two types of brain injuries are the same. One thing is for certain, keeping our brains healthy and whole is crucial. Preventing a brain injury can merely be a case of remembering to put on your helmet before biking to work.
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