Florida residents with a traumatic brain injury may have suffered from a closed head injury, a penetrating injury or a combination of the two. A closed head injury may happen when there is a blow to the head or simply when the head is jolted in the skull, such as if a person is in a motor vehicle accident in which the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. A penetrating injury could involve being shot or hit with another object.
Causes
Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of brain injuries although they can also occur while playing a sport, during an assault or after a fall. Safety precautions such as wearing a seat belt and having a helmet on during dangerous sporting activities can decrease the likelihood of a brain injury. Men and people 65 and older are at a greater risk of a serious TBI.
Symptoms and treatment
Although people usually recover from a mild TBI, the effects can still be debilitating and may include headaches, dizziness, confusion and changes in mood and behavior. More serious TBIs can involve seizures, vomiting and slurred speech. A mild TBI is primarily treated with rest and, if needed, painkillers. More serious TBIs may be treated with surgery, medication and various therapies, including occupational, physical and cognitive therapy. Severe TBIs can lead to permanent disabilities in some cases. However, even after serious injury, there are treatments that can improve quality of life.
People who have suffered a head injury may want to see a doctor even if they do not think the injury is a serious one. Symptoms are sometimes delayed for a TBI, and it may be possible to diagnose the injury before they appear.