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	Traumatic Brain Injury Need Assistance?               Brain Injury Resources

'Brain injury' is a term which encompasses broadly any brain injury irrespective of cause.  Thus, a brain injury can be caused by penetration of the skull, skull fracture, disease, or a closed head injury.  Penetration or fractures of the skull often occur in accidents and attacks by one person on another.  Diseases which commonly cause brain injuries are infections and cancer (tumors).  Closed head injuries are caused by rapid acceleration/ deceleration of the head or other means which, by definition, does not penetrate or fracture the skull.  Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the most common referred to types of closed head injuries . These injuries can have devastating lifelong effects on the physical and mental functioning of the survivor.

The body responds to brain injuries in different ways.  Different people with similar injuries may also respond differently as a result of such injuries.  Also of concern is the fact that the result of such injuries may appear at a time distant from the actual injury itself.  For instance, if someone is hit hard on the head, but not severe enough to cause immediate damage greater than a 'strong headache,' the person may not consider themselves 'okay' and go about their business.  It is possible that a concussion would result and the damage from a concussion may not appear for some time because of the swelling (cerebral edema), which creates pressure on the brain itself.  In effect, the 'hit on the head' causes an injury but the injured person is unaware of the extent of the injury, proceeds without getting assistance, and runs the risk of causing 'brain damage' due to the swelling.  This is also true in cases of hemorrhage where there is bleeding into the brain or around the brain.  Bleeding into the brain is referred to as an intracerebral hemorrhage.  Bleeding around the brain is referred to as an epidural or subdural hemorrhage. 

The above example is a relatively minor injury when compared to the types of injuries caused daily from accidents and assaults.  Death and coma can result from such injuries if the force of the injury causing event is sufficient.  Coma results when the force that hits the head causes sufficient turning and twisting.  This motion can cause the interruption of nerve pathways (often resulting in unconsciousness and neurological disorders).  If the nerve fibers between the brain stem and cortex are disrupted coma can result.

Some estimates hold that approximately two million traumatic brain injuries are caused each year in the United States.  One-quarter of these injuries result in hospitalization of the injured party.  Of those it is believed that as many as 90,000 will be faced with life-long debilitation, including coma.  Neurological disorders often confronted by those suffering from a brain injury and their loved ones are depression and anxiety, altered personality, and low self esteem.

If you need assistance with a traumatic brain injury please contact us.

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