A victim may suffer physical or mental symptoms such as loss of memory or disorientation. The injury may not be diagnosed but the person may be observed responding more slowly than usual or complaining about physical and mental problems.
Symptoms of mild brain injury may include fatigue, headache, and dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, memory problems, sleep difficulties, irritability, and short attention span.
Even though termed “mild”, this type of injury can lead to long-term effects and cognitive problems that severely impact on the individual’s life.
How the brain is injured
Three separate processes work to injure the brain in a traumatic event: bruising (bleeding), tearing, and swelling. In a traumatic brain injury, the soft tissue of the brain is propelled against the very hard bone of the skull and then bounced backwards.
Blood vessels may tear which releases blood into areas of the brain. The skull does not expand so the blood begins to press on softer things like brain tissue. Brain tissue is very delicate and will stop working properly or may even die off.
Blood vessels may tear which releases blood into areas of the brain. The skull does not expand so the blood begins to press on softer things like brain tissue. Brain tissue is very delicate and will stop working properly or may even die off.
The movement of the brain can result in tearing of brain tissue which breaks the connections between neurons. This happens on a microscopic level and may not show on standard medical tests.
The brain can swell in the same way a damaged muscle does. This pressure pushes down on the brain and damages structures in the brain. If there is too much pressure, this can stop important structures that control breathing or the heart rate. Sometimes, doctors will install a “relief valve” to let off the excess pressure.
© 2008 BIC
© 2008 BIC