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What Causes Traumatic Brain Injury

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. Approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths are caused by a TBI. The CDC states that from 2006 to 2010, vehicle crashes were the second leading cause (26 percent) of traumatic brain injury deaths. One common TBI is the diffuse axonal injury, making up approximately 50 percent of all severe traumatic brain injuries.

Individuals who survive a TBI can face disabilities for the rest of their lives, with symptoms including:

Impaired memory Inability to concentrate/think Movement difficulties Depression Personality changes Vision or hearing changes

DAI Causes

A diffuse axonal injury does not occur due to a blow to the head; it is caused by the brain moving back and forth within the skull. Vehicle crashes, falls, child abuse (shaken baby syndrome), sports-related accidents and violence are all common causes of this kind of brain injury. This type of injury …show more content…

The neuron body sends signals to other nerves via the axon. If the acceleration and deceleration forces are strong enough, the axons are severed from their neuron bodies. This makes communication between these specific nerves impossible. Nerve cells die, which leads to swelling. As the brain swells, pressure increases. This increased pressure can cause complications, including brain herniation and a restricted blood supply to brain tissue. As the axon is sheared, chemicals may be released into the brain, causing additional injury.
Symptoms

Lack of consciousness is the main symptom of a diffuse axonal injury. A conscious individual who has a mild/moderate DAI may show signs of brain damage. The area of the damage determines which symptoms an individual will experience.
Diagnosis

For a conscious patient, the physician asks a variety of questions designed to check cognitive

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