Traumatic Brain Injury, How Dangerous and What is the Right Treatment ?
Traumatic brain injury (Traumatic Brain Injury) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Traumatic brain injury is a brain injury that occurs due to a collision, blow, strong shock or open head injury that disrupts brain function.
The reasons include:
1. Fall
2. Traffic accidents
3. As a result of beatings or abuse
4. Sports injuries
5.Explosion or military battle
Traumatic brain injury is divided into 2 phases, namely head trauma due to external factors that cause mechanical damage to brain tissue and secondary mechanical stimuli that cause inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and pathological complications that lead to further brain degeneration.
Traumatic brain injury can also cause local and widespread brain damage. Symptoms vary, can be mild, moderate to severe depending on location, level of brain damage, and age. The effect can be temporary, it can also be permanent. Each individual has a different pattern.
If a person has had a head injury or other trauma that is suspected of causing a traumatic brain injury, medical attention is needed as soon as possible. In determining the diagnosis the doctor will carry out several examinations:
1. The doctor will ask how it happened and the symptoms the patient is feeling
2. General physical examination and neurological examination using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) method
3. CT Scan and MRI
4. X-ray and laboratory examination
Treatment for traumatic brain injury depends on many factors, including the size, severity, and location of the injury.
- In mild brain injury, the patient is told to rest. The importance of taking complete rest before doing normal activities again.
- In moderate to severe brain injury, the patient must immediately go to the emergency services for examination. The first treatment that must be done is to stabilize the patient's condition to prevent further injury. After that, further examination is carried out to determine the next action. Some require surgery, such as:
- Removing a hematoma (blood clot)
- Repair of skull fractures
- Reduces pressure in the brain by flowing cerebrospinal fluid
The importance of maintaining safety in carrying out activities so as not to experience a traumatic head injury. Things that can be avoided include:
1. Always wear a helmet or seat belt when driving
2. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
3. For people who are at risk of falling easily, please always be accompanied
4. Increase regular physical activity to be more balanced and strong
If Hermina's best friend experiences a collision in the brain area and an injury occurs, immediately consult a neurologist so that she can be treated immediately