Brain Injuries Can Have Lingering Effects
From concussions to car accidents
Too often, a bump on the head is dismissed as no big deal. After all, once the bump subsides, there may be no outward sign of an injury.
But new studies are showing that "hidden" aspects of head injuries can have life-altering effects on the brain. To raise awareness of brain injuries and their consequences, UT Matters joins the Brain Injury Association of America in recognizing March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Not just a bump on the head
“With any brain injury, people can have variable degrees of recovery,” explains Steven Farrell, MD, associate professor of orthopaedics and chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at The University of Toledo Medical Center. “We never know exactly how well a patient is going to bounce back – or how quickly.”
Car accidents, sports and falls are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.5 million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries each year. About 50,000 people die from them; another 85,000 suffer long-term effects. Today, more than 5.3 million Americans have disabilities that resulted from traumatic brain injuries.
Depending on which part of the brain was hurt, these injuries can affect people in many ways, including:
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Difficulty thinking
- Depression, anxiety or aggression
- Trouble seeing, hearing or smelling
- Difficulty with balance
- Sleep disturbances
Concussions deserve caution
Concussions, one of the most common traumatic brain injuries, can range in severity from momentary confusion to complete unconsciousness.
“Long-term complications from concussions have become a hot topic in the medical community and media,” Dr. Farrell says. “Although studies are not conclusive, they suggest that retired football players who had multiple concussions are more likely to have dementia at an earlier age.”
Today, many coaches are more cautious about allowing athletes to resume playing after a head injury. Some teams have players perform baseline cognitive tests. If an injury occurs, players repeat the test to determine if their thinking has been affected.
“Most brain injuries tend to resolve on their own, with no lasting repercussions,” Dr. Farrell says. “However, if you’re at all concerned, see your doctor.”
He also recommends seeking medical attention if the head injury causes nausea or vomiting, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, or if headaches occur with physical exertion. Although they are rare, these symptoms can signify bleeding in the brain.
UT Medical Center rehabilitation facilities
At UT Medical Center, patients with traumatic brain injuries can receive an array of treatments. Many patients are initially treated in the emergency room, and some require attention from surgeons, neurosurgeons or plastic surgeons. As patients recover, they may see sports medicine physicians, rehab physicians, physical therapists and speech therapists.
“All UT Medical Center patients who have had a traumatic brain injury routinely undergo a neuropsychological evaluation,” says Azedine Medhkour, MD, chief of neurosurgery and associate professor of surgery at UT Medical Center. “Even the slightest brain injury can have a tremendous impact on the psychology of patients or their outcomes, and this test makes sure we don’t miss any concerns.”
Because UT Medical Center is a teaching institution, the staff members stay up-to-date on the latest developments in treating patients with brain injuries. “We have the latest technology and our specialists are trained in the latest advances, which you are unlikely to find in a private practice,” Dr. Medhkour adds.
So while a simple bump on the head might be nothing to worry about, make sure you know the signs of a more serious injury and seek medical attention at the first sign of a problem.
To learn more about head injuries and other neurological services at UT Medical Center, call 419-383-3760.
