Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually an acute injury, just like a variety of others. However, it is very different from other types of injuries due to the fact that the life of the person who suffers it, will change completely, and often forever. The brain is the organ that defines our personality and what we do. As a result, when a TBI occurs, every aspect of our life will be affected, which is very different from other injuries, such as fractured collarbones or a broken leg. In regular injuries, only one part of the body is affected, and mental abilities and personalities do not change at all. Plus, with these types of injuries, most people will simply heal and regain normal function.

When an injury to the brain occurs, the process of healing would be very different. Recovery is not just about healing the physical structure, it is also about functional recovery. Unfortunately, the brain continues to be poorly understood. Furthermore, every brain injury is completely different, as are the outcomes of seemingly similar TBIs. Some people notice symptoms immediately, others after some time, others would suffer lifelong consequences, whereas others would only experience them for a few days. But what causes traumatic brain injury and how is it treated?

Understanding What Causes Traumatic Brain Injury and How Is it Treated:

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 1.5 million people in this country will suffer from TBI each year. Furthermore, 50,000 people will die as a result, and 80,000 will suffer long term, lifelong disabilities. To date, 5.3 million people in this country are disabled as a result of TBI.

So what causes traumatic brain injury and how is it treated? Well, this varies. There are many possible causes for a TBI and treatment depends not just on the cause, but also on what the consequences of the injury are.

There are three main causes of TBI:

1. Car accidents

2. Firearm discharges, with 90% dying as a result

3. Falls

The biggest risk categories are young adults (car accidents and firearms) and the elderly (falls). It is also quite common for people who suffer from a TBI to also suffer from a spinal cord injury, particularly if a car accident is involved, although firearms and falls can also lead to spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for these injuries, which means people should focus on prevention instead.

While a TBI cannot be cured, it can be treated. The first step is to stabilize the patient, so that the injury does not cause further consequences, for instance, due to swelling in the brain. Should the brain not be at risk, patients will go through rehabilitative care, where they can be restored to their daily life.

TBIs usually also require some form of acute treatment, whereby the chance of secondary injuries is minimized. Often, patients also need to be on life support. If necessary, surgery will be often to reduce swelling to the brain and ensuring that sufficient oxygen can reach it.