RNS, TBI, August 2005
1:58
URL http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2005/hmtbi.htm
Heads-Up on Traumatic Brain Injury Suggested Lead— More than half a million people each year sustain a traumatic brain injury. These brain injuries are caused when the brain smashes against the hard wall of skull following an impact. They are often caused by motor vehicle or sporting traumas, but they can also be caused by far more mundane household accidents. Here is Andi McDonnell with more.
Most of us think that concussions or head injuries happen where you're in a car accident or you're brutally attacked, however, more commonly it happens in some more mundane way. It very commonly happens in sporting events. But even less glamorous than in sporting events, many people have gotten concussions having fallen from regular heights.
Dr. Percival Pangilinan Jr., (M.D.), of the University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation tells us . . .
“Most of the time, the symptoms of a concussion, or a mild traumatic brain injury, do go away by themselves, often they take days to weeks. However, even with concussions, some of the symptoms do linger on and are poorly amenable to treatment. We call those post-concussive syndromes and it's very common that people will tell me that they have very recurrent chronic headaches, problems with dizziness, balance problems, not feeling right, feeling uncomfortable in their own skin, being unfamiliar with previously familiar places, having difficulty reading or concentrating, for a long period of time.”
Most people probably don't recognize the danger signs of a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury. People are also surprised at the profound effects that a brain injury may have on someone's life. Pangilinan cautions us. . .
“As we head to the football season, I do want to caution parents of athletes, coaches, and trainers to be very wary of their players with head injuries. Players really need to be symptom-free, meaning no headaches, dizziness, or confusion, before they're allowed to return to the field. And if in doubt, the player should be held. Sometimes the consequences can be very, very dire. “
It is also important to an individual's recovery to seek medical treatment as soon as possible because bruising inside the skull can cause secondary swelling and pressure, resulting in further neurological injury.
Andi McDonnell, U-M Health System News
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