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How head injuries affect the structure and function of the brain

On Behalf of | Sep 7, 2022 | Accidents & Incidents

Head injuries can be very serious. Residents of Illinois who experience them can find their lives changed. This is because of the way the injury could impact the structure and function of the brain.

Understanding traumatic brain injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can develop when a person experiences a sharp blow to the head. It can also occur after an accident involving the penetration of an object through the skull and into brain. These injuries are often referred to in varying levels of severity such as mild, moderate or severe. However, in reality, any brain injury should be considered serious and catastrophic in nature due to the effects it could have on the victim.

How TBIs affect the structure and function of the brain

There are two main types of TBIs: closed and open. A closed brain injury occurs when the skull remains intact. With an open brain injury, a break has occurred to the skull and an object has penetrated the brain. A gunshot wound to the head is an example of such an injury.

In either case, a TBI can result in structural effects to the brain. When a blow to the head occurs, the brain can suffer lesions of the tissues and blood vessels. This can lead to bruising, swelling and internal bleeding.

The brain’s function can also suffer after a TBI. Even with mild injuries, a victim could be left with cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, confusion, short attention span, memory problems, judgment and problem-solving difficulties and even coma. Motor coordination, sensory function and language could also be affected. Everyday tasks the person once took for granted might suddenly be challenging to perform.