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Degree of traumatic brain injury -

Mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) all have symptoms that indicate their severity.

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Mild traumatic brain injury -

A mild TBI, or concussion (clinically described as a closed brain injury) is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While described as mild, this type of brain injury is still potentially serious and requires immediate medical attention.

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Mild TBI -

Mild TBI or concussion can also be caused by a hit to the body where the head and brain move quickly back and forth.

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Effects of mild TBI -

A sudden movement of the head can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. This rebound can also stretch and damage brain cells, and prompt chemical changes in the brain.

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Physical symptoms of mild TBI -

Physical symptoms of a mild TBI may include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

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Other physical symptoms -

Fatigue and drowsiness are other physical symptoms of mild TBI, as is a sensation of dizziness and loss of balance. Problems with speech may also be apparent.

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Sensory symptoms -

A concussion can also induce sensory symptoms, things like blurred vision and ringing in the ears. Changes in the ability to smell is another potential symptom.

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Other sensory symptoms -

A mild TBI may also result in sensitivity to light or sound.

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Cognitive, behavioral, or mental symptoms -

Experiencing a mild TBI may result in temporary loss of consciousness, a few seconds perhaps or even a few minutes. Subsequently, a patient may suffer memory or concentration problems, and feelings of depression or anxiety. Difficulty sleeping is another symptom.

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Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries -

In a worst-case scenario, a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury is clinically described as a penetrating brain injury—open head trauma that results in a break in the skull.

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Physical symptoms of moderate-to-severe TBI -

Typical signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe TBI can include all those related to mild TBI. A loss of consciousness of several minutes to hours typifies a more serious head trauma.

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Other physical symptoms -

Persistent headache or one that worsens is indicative of moderate-to-severe TBI. Repeated vomiting or nausea, plus convulsions or seizures, serve as additional complications.

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Dilated pupils -

Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes is an indicator of moderate and severe TBI.

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Weakness or numbness in extremities -

Similarly, weakness or numbness in fingers and toes can be indicative of a moderate-to-severe head injury.

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Loss of coordination -

Mild-to-severe TBI can also result in difficulty waking from sleep and a loss of coordination.

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Cognitive, behavioral, or mental symptoms -

This level of brain trauma can result in profound confusion compounded by agitation, combativeness, and irrational behavior.

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Problems concentrating -

Moderate-to-severe TBI often results in problems concentrating. It can also interfere with communication and learning skills.

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Children's symptoms -

Crying more than usual can indicate a TBI in babies and young children. A tangible indicator is their loss of interest in favorite toys and activities. Infants might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion, and similar symptoms, so a prompt medical examination is vital in order to ascertain any problem and reach a diagnosis.

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What causes a head injury? -

There are numerous causes of head injury in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls lead to nearly half of the TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States.

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Automobile wreck -

Motor vehicle crashes and assaults are other common ways a person may suffer a TBI.

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Gunshot wound -

Sadly, confirms the CDC, a self-inflicted gunshot wound is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States.

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Sports-related TBI -

According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. In football, brain injuries account for 65% to 95% of all fatalities.

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Can the brain heal after being injured? -

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most studies suggest that once brain cells are destroyed or damaged, they rarely regenerate.

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Recovery rate -

However, recovery after a mild TBI can take place, especially in younger people. This is due to the fact that in some cases, other areas of the brain make up for the injured tissue.

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Good prognosis -

In fact, patients with mild head injury tend to do very well. And while they may experience headaches, dizziness, irritability, or similar symptoms, these gradually improve in most cases, states the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

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Prospect of disability -

Patients with a moderate TBI fare less well. According to the AANS, around 60% will make a positive recovery, with an estimated 25% left with a certain degree of disability.

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Worst-case scenario -

Death or a persistent vegetative state will be the outcome in about 7-10% of moderate TBI cases.

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Grim prognosis -

The prognosis for those with severe TBI is grim. Only 25-33% of patients enjoy positive outcomes. Sadly, many don't survive.

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When to see a doctor -

The good news is that most head injuries are not serious. But in the wake of any trauma to this part of the body, it's absolutely essential to make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.

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When to go to the ER -

If the injury is more severe, or if symptoms persist or worsen, then you'll require prompt medical attention in an ER.

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