| NINDS Traumatic Brain
Injury Information Page
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden physical assault on
the head causes damage to the brain. The damage can be focal, confined
to one area of the brain, or diffuse, involving more than one area of
the brain. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating
head injury.
- A closed head injury occurs when the head suddenly and violently
hits an object, but the object does not break through the skull.
- A penetrating head injury occurs when an object pierces the
skull and enters the brain tissue. Several types of traumatic
injuries can affect the head and brain. A skull fracture occurs when
the bone of the skull cracks or breaks.
- A depressed skull fracture occurs when pieces of the broken
skull press into the tissue of the brain. This can cause bruising of
the brain tissue, called a contusion.
- A contusion can also occur in response to shaking of the brain
within the confines of the skull, an injury called "countrecoup."
- Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of head injury that occurs
when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause extreme countrecoup
injury.
Damage to a major blood vessel within the head can cause a hematoma,
or heavy bleeding into or around the brain. The severity of a TBI can
range from a mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death. A
coma is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness.
Symptoms of a TBI may include headache, nausea, confusion or other
cognitive problems, a change in personality, depression, irritability,
and other emotional and behavioral problems. Some people may have
seizures as a result of a TBI.
Is there any treatment?
Immediate treatment for TBI involves surgery to control bleeding in
and around the brain, monitoring and controlling intracranial
pressure, insuring adequate blood flow to the brain, and treating the
body for other injuries and infection.
What is the prognosis?
The outcome of TBI depends on the cause of the injury and on the
location, severity, and extent of neurological damage: outcomes range
from good recovery to death. Doctors often use the Glasgow Coma Scale
to rate the extent of injury and chances of recovery. The scale (3-15)
involves testing for three patient responses: eye opening, best verbal
response, and best motor response. A high score indicates a good
prognosis and a low score indicates a poor prognosis.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on trauma-related disorders,
including traumatic brain injuries. Much of this research focuses on
increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding
ways to prevent and treat them. |
2002 Pediatric Behavioral Health Resources