Concussions and TBI’s No Joking Matter
By Nancy Honig
When it comes to brain injuries, not a single injury or person is the same. The month of March is dedicated to improving awareness of brain injuries. I have personally known several people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that had results from mild to those who passed away from their injury. My brother suffered a TBI in his late twenties that had a lasting impact on the remainder of his life, this is part of the reason education about both TBI’s and concussions is very important to me.
There are a number of ways to hurt your head, from hitting it as you get into the car to falling off a bike. There were 9.5 million emergency room visits and over 61,000 TBI related deaths in 2019 with over 30% adults over the age of 65.
Traumatic brain injury is different than a stroke or other types of internal injury to the brain because it is attributed to an external cause, such as a bump, jolt or blow to the head, or penetrating injury — also to the head. So, what is the difference between a concussion and a TBI? A concussion is a TBI, but a TBI is not necessarily a concussion. A concussion occurs when your brain moves and hits the inside of your skull, causing bruising. The amount of damage determines concussion severity.
Symptoms can begin right away or come on gradually. One acronym used to recognize a concussion is HEADS;
H – headaches
E – ears ringing
A – amnesia, altered consciousness
D – double vision and/or dizziness
S – slurred speech
Moderate and severe TBIs are more serious injuries that concussions and can be caused by a severe blow to the head or penetrating injury. These are often caused by falls, car and bike accidents, sports injuries, and violence (including shaken baby syndrome). For older adults especially, traumatic brain injuries can have serious consequence including how someone thinks or functions. They can also impact a person’s emotional well-being. Because many older adults take blood thinner medications this can also greatly affect a brain injury.
The signs and symptoms are very similar to a concussion. They typically fall into 4 areas: Physical: Bothered by light or noise; Dizziness or balance problems; Feeling tired, no energy; Nausea or vomiting (early on);Vision problems.
Thinking and Remembering: Attention or concentration problems; Feeling slowed down; Foggy or groggy; Problems with short- or long-term memory; Trouble thinking clearly.
Social or Emotional: Anxiety or nervousness; Unusual or easy irritability; Feeling more emotional; Sadness.
Sleep: Sleeping less than usual; Sleeping more than usual; Trouble falling asleep.
Symptoms may be difficult to sort out as they are like other health problems. After a mild TBI or concussion a person may not recognize or admit that they are having problems or understand how the symptoms they are experiencing affect their daily activities. Problems may be overlooked by the person with the mild TBI or concussion, family members, or healthcare providers
I have personally observed these types of TBI related problems both with family and friends. Be aware of symptoms, take caution to avoid these whenever possible by wearing proper head gear, finding ways to help with fall prevention, and not putting yourself in dangerous situations that can cause injury.
Facts and tip sheets with more information from K-State Research and Extension is available at www.TBIoptions.ksu.edu and www.aging.ksu.edu. The site includes videos with survivors who share their stories about rebuilding their lives and relationships, and opportunities for reflective thinking and personal growth.
