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Protect the Head and Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

Newswise - One of the most common questions I am asked after someone hits their head is, "How serious is this bump on my head and should I make an appointment?" Head injuries are the result of trauma to the scalp, skull or brain. Concussion, the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that occurs after a blow to the head and results in a temporary loss of consciousness. Some head injuries may appear to be mild but research has shown that concussions may have serious, long-term effects, especially when there are repeated injuries.

Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury is more serious than a concussion. Someone who suffers a TBI may appear fine after an accident or blow to the head, but this type of brain injury can be life-threatening because the brain can swell or have bleeding on the surface. If not treated, irreversible brain damage or death can occur.

It is extremely important that someone who suffers a head injury be monitored closely. Many of the patients treated at the Methodist Neurological Institute (NI) show no signs of brain trauma immediately after experiencing a head injury. It can take a few hours or even days for symptoms of brain injury to appear.

• Inability to move one or more limbs

I always stress that acting fast is key when someone suffers a brain injury. The sooner someone with brain trauma receives medical attention, the better chance they have for recovery.

• Avoid direct head-to-head contact when participating in any athletic sport.

For more information, visit www.tmhni.org or call 713-790-3333. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MethodistHosp and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/methodisthospital.

Source: NewsWise