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When to Visit an Emergency Room – Traumatic Brain Injuries

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man who suffered from a neck and head injury massaging his neckA traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious issue that millions of Americans experience each year. In 2010 alone, roughly 2.5 million United States citizens went to an emergency room due to a TBI. While getting hit in the head is not always a major cause for concern, most head injuries should receive prompt medical attention to make sure that a TBI is properly addressed. If you need medical attention, be it urgent or for an emergency, visit Highland Park Emergency Room today. 

What Causes a TBI?

TBIs occur when brain functioning is disrupted by a blunt blow to the head. Minor TBIs are also called concussions, and they commonly result from sports injuries, car accidents, and major falls.

TBI Symptoms

TBIs and concussions are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion / Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Decreased coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • One dilated pupil
  • A severe headache

If you or someone you know is experiencing more than one of these symptoms, we recommend you visit the ER. While many people bounce back quickly after a head injury, some experience internal bleeding that can be life threatening without proper medical treatment.

How to Diagnose TBIs

An ER doctor will perform several tests to determine the severity of the head injury. He or she may ask a series of questions or implement a variety of motor-skill tests. CT scans or MRI scans may also be used to take pictures of the brain and determine the level of trauma. Sometimes the brain injury does not show up on the digital images, but that doesn’t mean that a TBI is not present. An ER doctor will do a thorough check-up to ensure that the head trauma victim is properly diagnosed.

Recovering from a TBI

A concussion or mild TBI can often be overcome within a couple of weeks, but the key to recovery is rest. Most emergency room doctors recommend that victims of a TBI abstain from reading, watching television, and using electronics. This may be for a few days or a few weeks, but cognitive rest is necessary. Getting proper sleep is also imperative in the healing process. People who suffer from a traumatic brain injury are likely to be more tired than normal.

Don’t Hesitate to Visit the Emergency Room

The risk associated with brain trauma is high, and TBIs can cause death in extreme cases. If there is any chance that you or someone you know may have a concussion or TBI, visit a medical professional at the ER promptly. At Highland Park, Preston Hollow, and Lakewood Emergency Room, we have the medical equipment and the detailed knowledge to diagnose TBI’s and recommend treatment protocols. Don’t hesitate to visit an ER – the risk is too high.