Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Essay

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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when an external force causes brain dysfunction. A mild TBI can be a concussion that is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that change the way brain works. It can cause a loss of consciousness for a few seconds to minutes or the person may seem dazed and confused. A change in mental status at the time of the injury or loss of consciousness is the reason a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury is made (Brain Injury Alliance Utah). Most people recover from mild TBIs quickly and fully (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Some people may experience residual headaches, agitated moods, and periods of sleeplessness. Severe TBIs can be put in two different category groups: closed injuries-are injuries to the brain caused by movement of the brain within the skull. Examples of this type of injury are falls, motor vehicle accidents, or being struck by or with a blunt object in the head (Centers for Disease Control, 2014a). Penetrating injuries-are injuries to the brain caused by a foreign object entering the skull. Examples of this type of injury are firearm injuries, (either self-inflicted or victim of violence) and explosive blasts/military combat injury related to…show more content…
It is a fifteen-point scale that measures a person's motor responses, verbal responses and whether or not they open their eyes. All the points are added up and there are four possible classifications for TBI. The lower the GCS, the more severe and poorer the prognosis is for the patient (Lenrow, 2004). Scores of less than three are classifed as a vegetative state. Scores of three-eight are classified as a severe TBI. Scores of nine-twelve are classified as a moderate TBI. Scores of thirteen-fifteen are classified as a mild TBI. These classifications are a key part of how management of the patient will be directed and give insight to what the most likely outcome for the

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