Mild traumatic brain injuries are the most common type of brain injury, but these injuries are often misunderstood by the general public. A brain injury is more than just a harmless “bump on the head” – it is a serious medical condition. A mild traumatic brain injury is defined as an injury to the head resulting in loss of consciousness, confusion, and/or disorientation lasting less than 30 minutes. A mild traumatic brain injury is often called a concussion, minor head trauma, or a minor head injury.

The most common symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury include headaches, fatigue, memory loss, visual problems, sleep disturbances, and dizziness. Sometimes, patients may also experience sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, mood changes, or a general slowness in cognitive ability. In a very young child, you may notice a change in nursing or eating habits, persistent crying, an inability to be consoled, or a sudden loss of interest in favorite toys or activities.

Even with a so-called “mild” head injury, 15% of people will experience symptoms lasting one year or more. It should also be noted that symptoms don’t always appear immediately after the injury. It is possible for symptoms to first appear several days or even weeks after the event that caused the injury. In this case, the injury may be misdiagnosed initially.

One of the problems associated with treating a mild traumatic brain injury is that patients often wait too long to seek medical attention. If you or someone you know sustains a head injury, whether from playing sports or being involved in an auto accident, seek medical attention immediately. The problems caused by traumatic brain injuries can be treated, but an early evaluation is critical. An early diagnosis is especially important when the patient is a child, since children under the age of 18 are still growing and developing.

Healthcare providers can diagnose brain injuries through a CAT scan, MRI, neurological examination, and neuropsychological testing. If needed, physical, occupational, and speech therapists can be brought in to evaluate the severity of specific symptoms from the injury.

Tagged as: brain injury, head injury, mild traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury