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Introduction. A brain injury can affect every area of a child’s life, including thinking, behavior, emotions, communication, physical abilities and personal relationships. Recovery from a brain injury is a process that takes time and can be difficult. Ongoing lifestyle and relationship adjustments may be necessary.
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Mild traumatic brain injury
The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Physical symptoms Sensory symptoms Cognitive, behavioral or mental symptoms
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Physical symptoms Cognitive or mental symptoms
Children's symptoms
Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:
Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.
The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.
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Traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head or body. The degree of damage can depend on several factors, including the nature of the injury and the force of impact.
Common events causing traumatic brain injury include the following:
•Falls. Falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children.
•Vehicle-related collisions. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury.
•Violence. Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, child abuse and other assaults are common causes. Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury in infants caused by violent shaking.
•Sports injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may be caused by injuries from a number of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports. These are particularly common in youth.
The people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:
•Children, especially newborns to 4-year-olds
•Young adults, especially those between ages 15 and 24
•Adults age 60 and older
Altered consciousness
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged or permanent changes in a person's state of consciousness, awareness or responsiveness. Different states of consciousness include:
Physical complications
Sometimes, any or several of these symptoms might linger for a few weeks to a few months after a traumatic brain injury. When a combination of these symptoms lasts for an extended period of time, this is generally referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries at the base of the skull can cause nerve damage to the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (cranial nerves). Cranial nerve damage may result in:
Intellectual problems
Many people who have had a significant brain injury will experience changes in their thinking (cognitive) skills. It may be more difficult to focus and take longer to process your thoughts. Traumatic brain injury can result in problems with many skills, including: Cognitive problems Executive functioning problems
Follow these tips to reduce the risk of brain injury:
•Seat belts and airbags. Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for his or her size and weight.
•Alcohol and drug use. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.
•Helmets. Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Also wear appropriate head protection when playing baseball or contact sports, skiing, skating, snowboarding or riding a horse.
•Unforeseen danger of a child's fall: Livia's remarkable recovery
Feb 4, 2021 · However, a person with a mild traumatic brain injury usually needs to be monitored closely at home for any persistent, worsening or new symptoms. He or she may also have follow-up doctor appointments. The doctor will indicate when a return to work, school or recreational activities is appropriate.
May 16, 2024 · Overview. Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or by immune cells mistakenly attacking the brain. Viruses that can lead to encephalitis can be spread by insects such as mosquitos and ticks.
Oct 17, 2022 · Prevention. Brain damage, also called brain injury, refers to any injury to the brain. It can come from trauma, such as a car accident, or from a medical problem. Medical conditions that lead to brain damage include infections, certain diseases, or a lack of oxygen. The severity and prognosis of brain injuries vary significantly.
- Adrienne Dellwo
Traumatic brain injury symptoms vary depending on whether a TBI is mild or moderate and/or severe. But all TBIs may cause symptoms, including physical issues, trouble thinking or remembering, and social or emotional issues. Children and adults have similar symptoms. TBI symptoms in babies are issues eating or nursing.
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Traumatic brain injury in children represents a significant public health problem and they account for over one-half million emergency department visits per year. It’s estimated that traumatic brain injuries affect as many as one in five children by the age of 15.
Assess the severity of traumatic brain injuries with the Brain Injury Severity Score. The Traumatic Brain Injury Severity Score provides a method to evaluate injury severity.
