"Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Recovery"

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

TBI is a disruption in brain function caused by an external force, such as a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head.

Pathophysiology:

The trauma causes brain tissue damage, bleeding, swelling, and increased intracranial leading to temporary or permanent brain dysfunction.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Falls

Road traffic accidents

Sports injuries

Violence (assault, gunshot)

Military combat injuries

Signs & Symptoms:

TBI (Concussion): Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea

Moderate/Severe TBI: Loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, vision issues, memory loss, behavioral changes

Diagnosis:

Neurological exam

CT scan or MRI

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scoring

Treatment:

Mild TBI: Rest, monitoring, symptom management

Severe TBI: ICU care, surgery (to reduce pressure), medications

Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational & speech therapy

Complications:

disorders (depression, anxiety)

Seizures

Coma or death

Prevention:

Wear helmets during sports & biking

Use seatbelts & follow road safety

Avoid high-risk behaviors

Ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest, Cardiac arrest ECG diagnosis, What is the first step in treating cardiac arrest?, Hospital treatment for cardiac arrest, What happens during a cardiac arrest,Signs of sudden cardiac arrest in adults

 What is Cardiac Arrest?

It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and vital organs. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate action.

Pathophysiology:

The heart's electrical system malfunctions, disrupting its normal rhythm. This often leads to ventricular fibrillation, where the heart quivers ineffectively, failing to pump blood.

Causes:

* Coronary artery disease

* Heart attack

* Arrhythmias

* Congenital heart defects

* Severe electrolyte imbalances

* overdose

Signs & symptoms:

* Sudden collapse

* No pulse or breathing

Loss of consciousness

* Sometimes, gasping or seizures

Diagnosis:

* ECG (Electrocardiogram)

* Blood tests

* Imaging if needed

Treatment:

1. Immediate Response:

Call emergency services.

* Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

* Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.

2. Hospital Care:

* Advanced life support (e.g., intubation, medications like epinephrine).

* Treat underlying causes (angioplasty for blockages, pacemaker for rhythm control).