A traumatic brain injury is a head injury that results in damage to
the brain. There are two types of head injuries that can lead to damage
within the brain - closed head and penetrating head injuries.
- Closed
Head Injury - Occurs when the head is suddenly stopped while in
motion and the brain hits the inside of the skull. This happens, for
example, when the head hits the windshield during an auto accident.
A closed head injury can also occur without external trauma to the
head, as occurs when the brain moves forward and back during whiplash.
- Penetrating
Head Injury - Occurs when an object, like a bullet, penetrates
the skull.
Inside the Brain
Damage to the brain can be either focal or diffuse. Focal damage is
localized and occurs at the point where an object penetrates the brain.
Diffuse damage occurs when the brain hits the skull during a closed
head injury, and it often results in diffuse axonal injury - a tearing
of the nerve cells. The brain stem, as well as the frontal and temporal
lobes, are also more susceptible to damage because they are located
near bony protrusions in the skull:
- Brain
Stem - damage to the brain stem can result in frustration, disorientation,
and anger.
- Temporal
Lobes - damage to the temporal lobes can result in behavioral
disorders, seizures, and communication difficulties.
- Frontal
Lobe - damage to the frontal lobe can result in impulsiveness
and a lack of judgment.
Damage
can occur in three ways: bruising (bleeding), tearing, and swelling.
- Bruising
(bleeding) - Blood vessels can tear when the brain is injured.
When this occurs, the blood pools within the brain and begins to press
on sensitive brain tissue. The brain tissue will die off and critical
parts of the brain may stop functioning.
- Tearing - Tiny tears can occur when the brain is injured. These tears are
usually microscopic and cannot be observed with a CT scan or MRI.
- Swelling - Swelling occurs when the body realizes that the brain has been injured.
Extra help is sent to help it heal, but because there is very little
room within the skull, pressure begins to build up; this can damage
parts of the brain. Critical areas within brain may stop functioning.
This information
is intended to provide a brief overview of traumatic brain injury. Consult
a physician for information specific to your case.
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