Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is mechanical damage to the skull and its contents, including the brain and its membranes. TBI can be closed or open, and can also be accompanied by various types of brain damage, such as concussion, contusion and compression.

Closed TBI is an injury in which the integrity of the skin of the head is not broken, and injury to the soft tissues of the skull is not accompanied by damage to its bones. Open TBI, on the contrary, is characterized by damage to the soft coverings of the head and cranial bones. If the integrity of the dura mater is compromised in an open TBI, it is called a penetrating injury. In this case, there is a high risk of infection of the brain, which can lead to complications such as meningitis, abscesses and encephalitis.

Damage to the skull can be in the form of cracks, perforated and depressed fractures, as well as fractures of the bones of the base of the skull with or without opening the paranasal sinuses of the ear and nose. One sign of a basal skull fracture is bleeding and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose and ear, as well as spectacle-like bruising around the eyes.

A concussion is one of the possible types of brain damage from TBI. It develops mainly with closed TBI. During a concussion, the entire mass of the brain is affected, but the integrity of the brain tissue is not damaged. However, the relationships between brain cells and between its different parts are temporarily disrupted. This leads to impaired brain function. Symptoms of a concussion may include loss of consciousness of variable duration, headache, nausea, vomiting, and retrograde amnesia. All these symptoms gradually disappear, usually within 1-2 weeks. However, in some patients, general weakness, headaches, instability of the vascular system, increased emotionality and decreased ability to work persist for a long time.

Brain contusion and compression can occur with both closed and open TBI. Prolonged unconsciousness usually indicates compression of the brain. However, a short loss of consciousness also does not exclude the possibility of a combination of brain contusion and compression. This happens in cases where, due to a bruise, a blood vessel ruptures in the membranes or substance of the brain and an intracranial hematoma is formed, which gradually increases and after a short time begins to compress the brain. When the brain is compressed, serious disturbances in its functions occur, which can lead to serious consequences, including death.

A variety of techniques are used to diagnose TBI, including clinical examination, neurological tests, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment for TBI depends on its severity and may include observation, conservative therapy, and surgery.

In cases of mild TBI, the patient may be prescribed strict rest and drug therapy to reduce symptoms. In cases of severe TBI, the patient may require immediate hospitalization and surgery to repair damage to the brain and its membranes.

Overall, preventing TBI is the best way to combat this disease. This includes following safety precautions when playing sports, driving a car, and other activities that may pose a risk to the head. It is also important to take precautions at work and at home to avoid head injuries.

Traumatic brain injury is a serious condition that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. If symptoms of TBI occur, you should consult a doctor to receive qualified help and treatment.