"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

Brain Tumor

 Brain Tumor

What is a Brain Tumor?

A cancerous or non-cancerous mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain.

Pathophysiology:

Tumor cells grow uncontrollably, compressing or invading brain tissue, disrupting normal brain function, and increasing intracranial pressure.

Types of Brain Tumors:

a. Primary Tumors:

1. Gliomas (e.g., astrocytoma, glioblastoma)

2. Meningiomas

3. Pituitary

4. Medulloblastomas

5. Schwannomas

b. Secondary (Metastatic) Tumors:

Spread from cancers elsewhere (lung, breast, etc.)

Causes & Risk Factors:

Genetic mutations

Family history of brain tumors

Exposure to radiation

Weakened immune system

Certain inherited conditions (e.g., NF1, Li-Fraumeni)

Signs & Symptoms:

Persistent headaches

Nausea & vomiting

Seizures

Vision or hearing problems

Memory loss & confusion

Weakness or numbness in limbs

Balance & coordination issues

Diagnosis:

MRI or CT scan

Biopsy (to confirm tumor type)

examination

Treatment:

Surgery (if operable)

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

Targeted or immunotherapy

Rehabilitation (physical, occupational therapy)