Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most common type of brain injury, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that as many as 5.3 million people in the United States have suffered one of these injuries. There are seven main types of TBI, each with different causes and consequences.
Learn more about the seven types of TBI and how they can impact your life.
- Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury
A coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs when there is a strong impact to the head that causes the brain or skull to hit the opposite side of the impact site. This results in damage to the brain at the site of impact, as well as on the opposite side. Common causes are:
- Serious car accidents
- Acts of violence
- Falls
Symptoms are severe, and the injury can require a lot of time to heal.
- Concussion
A concussion is the most common type of TBI. It occurs when an impact jolts the brain, and the brain accelerates in the direction of the force. Concussions can be mild to severe. Someone who receives frequent concussions can develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which changes their behavior and even their personality.
- Brain Contusion
A contusion is a bruise that develops on your brain. Brain contusions are similar to concussions and many times occur together. In some instances, surgery can be the only way to remove the contusion.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury
A diffuse axonal injury is also similar to a concussion because it involves the brain moving, but it is much more serious. During a diffuse axonal injury, the brain stem cannot keep up with the rate of movement. This leads to tears, which can range in size.
- Second Impact Syndrome
Sustaining a second brain injury can lead to second impact syndrome. The second impact is more likely to cause brain damage than the first injury. Many people feel fine after the second injury, but getting help is vital.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken baby syndrome is similar to diffuse axonal injury. A shaken baby can suffer from brain hemorrhaging, broken blood vessels, strokes, and brain stem tears.
- Penetrating Injury
A penetrating brain injury happens when something penetrates the skull and brain. These injuries can cause blood clots, severe bleeding, disrupted oxygen supply, and other serious complications.
Get Help for Brain Injuries
Brain injuries require immediate medical assistance. With therapies and medications, experts can help reduce or eliminate certain physical, emotional, and cognitive problems a patient may experience with TBI.
There are alternative options as well such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and some are discovering the potential benefits with regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Patients have an opportunity to explore all options as they have more in today’s advancing science research than in years past.
