Is Traumatic Brain Injury Permanent?

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is characterized as a sudden injury to the brain. TBI often results from impacts to the head that occur during a vehicle accident, sporting event, or another activity. Traumatic brain injuries may range from mild to severe.

Depending on the severity of a TBI, the injury and associated symptoms may be permanent. However, milder traumatic brain injuries such as concussions usually only cause temporary symptoms.

Common Symptoms of TBI

Due to the complex nature of the human brain, TBIs can manifest in a variety of ways. Mild TBIs are usually accompanied by symptoms, such as:

  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Slow reflexes
  • Blurred vision
  • Neck or head pain
  • Ringing in the ears

More severe traumatic brain injuries are characterized may include symptoms like:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Prolonged headaches
  • Difficulty standing, speaking or walking
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Seizures

Serious TBIs can also cause patients to suffer from lasting mood changes and a loss of short-term memory. Patients who have experienced a major TBI may also have a hard time controlling impulses or urges.

How Is Traumatic Brain Injury Treated?

The exact treatment protocol for traumatic brain injuries will depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer a mild concussion, then the physician will likely recommend rest. They may also suggest that you take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as headaches or soreness.

When treating moderate or severe TBIs, physicians must first stabilize the injury. This may include managing vitals such as oxygen and blood pressure. If the skull is damaged, surgical intervention may be needed to repair the fracture and stop bleeding.

Many patients who have suffered a severe TBI require long-term treatment and rehabilitative services, including speech therapy, physical therapy, and other forms of care designed to help restore optimal quality of life. There are also cutting-edge treatments like regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Stem cells, known as the body’s repair cells, have recently been studied as potential treatment options for TBI patients.

What Else Can Be Done to Treat TBI?

Stem cell therapy is a viable treatment option for patients suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Recent evidence suggests that stem cells can potentially facilitate the regeneration of neurons (i.e., rebuild damaged areas), which can potentially improve cognitive and motor functions. This works because stem cells can differentiate into various specialized cells, including those present within the brain.

This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for TBI, also known as stem cells for traumatic brain injury. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.

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