Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
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Teaching Guide for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
What is a Mild Brain Injury?
Mild Brain injury is a brief change in brain function due to injury to the head. It is called mild if there is no loss of alertness. The brain scan or physical exam may be normal. The injury may not be serious enough to be in the hospital.
What causes Mild Brain Injury?
There are many causes:
- A blow to the head during a car/motorcycle accident or after a fall.
- An object striking the head.
- A sudden motion, such as a whiplash injury without the head hitting anything.
What happens during a Mild Brain Injury?
The soft brain twists and turns with the rough areas of the skull during a quick motion to the head. Bruising may occur on the surface of the brain. If the injury is severe, bleeding and swelling may occur within the Brain.
What signs and symptoms suggest a more serious injury?
Even if no serous injury is found, careful watching must occur in the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
During the first night after the injury, have a family member or friend wake you up every two hours.
You should watch for the following signs and symptoms which could signal problems:
- Increased feeling of being tired
- Trouble waking up from sleep
- Upset stomach
- Constant headache or headache gets worse
- Stiff neck
- Bleeding or fluid coming from the ears or nose
- Weakness in arms, legs or face
- Seizures or "spells"
- Vision changes
- Any change in normal behavior (confusion, temper, mood, trouble with memory)
- Problems walking/clumsiness
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, call your doctor right away or have someone take you to the emergency room.
What is the normal course of recovery after a Mild Brain Injury?
Even though you didn't hurt your body, you may have some changes in your thinking, behavior and/or feelings. These problems will likely go away with time. Only when enough nerve cells have been hurt or if you have had more than one head injury, might you have lasting changes. Most people who suffer mild bumps to the head will be okay. If you do have problems when you return to work, school or home, it is best to seek outside help. Some of the problems that may occur:
- You may notice you forget things more often (names or schedule).
- You may lack energy or feel mentally/physically tired.
- It may be hard for you to think hard for a longer amount of time.
- You may have trouble solving problems or making decisions.
- You may have more headaches.
- Your attention span has changed.
- You may get angry more quickly, or cry more easily.
What should I do if these problems occur?
If you feel you cannot function as you used to and don't understand why, it is best to seek outside help. Please contact the following.
- Your primary physician for medical follow-up. He or she can help you meet with a neuropsychologist.
- A neuropsychologist at MeritCare Clinic Neuroscience who is an expert in assessing and treating brain injuries.
- National Brain Injury Association (BIAUSA)
Share this patient teaching guide with family and friends. Give them your doctor's name and phone number.