Growing up, we’ve all been in situations where we bonked our heads. Maybe you tripped playing tag or had a rowdy pillow fight with friends. Maybe you even played sports and get knocked with a ball a few times or had something fall on you while you were helping with house repairs. Over the course of our lives, everyone is likely to have some kind of head injury, which is why so many people are concerned about TBIs.

TBI stands for Traumatic Brain Injury, which is the scientific way of describing an impact to the head which results in serious injuries. TBIs are more than just getting a bruise or a bump on your forehead, they are serious health effects that can sometimes lead to brain damage and long-term health issues.

When someone gets hit on the head, though, how do you know that they have suffered a TBI? Not every bump is serious, and sometimes you don’t even see a lump or a bruise. What are the signs of a TBI, and what should you do if someone near you has suffered a traumatic brain injury? In honor of Traumatic Brain Injury Month, The Colony ER Hospital wants to teach everyone in our community how to spot the signs of a TBI.

Mild TBI

The term ‘mild’ Traumatic Brain Injury seems like an oxymoron, but there are different levels of TBIs, often referred to as mild and severe. Mild TBIs are less severe and require less treatment, though they should still be seen by a physician. These injuries might happen when someone runs into something or falls. It can happen in children or adults, and should you notice the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care for possible TBI:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Loss of consciousness

These symptoms are usually more immediate, resulting right after a head injury is received. Sometimes, though, TBIs don’t show symptoms until a little bit after the initial injury. Sometimes it can take several days or even a few weeks after the injury for symptoms to emerge. In this case, it is also important to look out for:

  • Bad tastes in the mouth, with no explanation
  • Change in behavior or mood
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Trouble with memory and concentration

Mild TBIs are often easier to treat and usually do not post the same kind of long-term health risks as severe TBIs, but mild TBIs only stay mild if they are treated as soon as possible. If you notice someone you love experiencing these symptoms after being hit on the head, it is very important to seek professional, medical attention to see what treatment might be needed.

Severe TBI

When people think about Traumatic Brain Injuries, they usually imagine something more severe. These injuries require more extensive treatment and have a higher risk of causing serious health issues. While many of the symptoms of a severe TBI are similar to those of mild TBIs, it is important to keep an eye out for:

  • Headaches that persist and get worse
  • Repeated nausea or vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Not being able to wake up from sleep
  • Dilation (or enlargement) of one or both pupils
  • Numbness in limbs
  • Lack of coordination
  • Severe, sometimes worsening, confusion
  • Loss of consciousness lasting from a few minutes to hours

These symptoms, whether they appear right after an injury or develop in the days and weeks afterwards, are signs of a severe injury. These kinds of injuries require immediate medical attention, because they could have serious health complications if left untreated.

Usually the result of an accident, TBIs are often frightening, unexpected injuries for someone to receive. While they can be scary, The Colony ER Hospital wants to urge our community to stay calm and stay aware of what to do in the face of a TBI. Our facility is open 24/7 with concierge-level emergency care for all ages, and we are able to treat TBIs, both mild and severe. In the event that someone you love has suffered a brain injury and needs help, then do not hesitate. TBIs can easily be treated, and those who get them can make extensive, if not full, recoveries when assisted by medical professionals.

This blog is written by Maggie Berardo, content writer at Nutex Health.

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on The Colony Emergency Room Hospital or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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