A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to any trauma to the head caused by an external object contacting or penetrating the skull.

TBI is a difficult condition to manage and its consequences can have significant impacts on your daily life. So, what exactly is a traumatic brain injury?

Once an incident takes place, someone may display symptoms like loss of consciousness, lack of motor control or slurred speech. 

If these symptoms occur, the victim should be taken to the hospital to be seen by emergency doctors. During the examination, the doctor will grade the injury from mild to severe.

Some patients with a mild TBI might not even know it happened. This was emphasised by Auckland University of Technology Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology, Prof. Valery L. Feigin, who stated that “some people may not realise they suffered a TBI.”

For patients with a severe TBI, surgery management might be needed and the consequences of the injury can be serious with impairments such as:

• Memory Loss
• Paralysis
• Speech impediments
• Loss of muscle controls

Afterwards, treating physicians will define a plan to help the patient recover from their injuries. This plan is adapted to each patient’s needs and usually comprises of recovery therapies and rehabilitation programs. These programs encourage neuroplasticity within the brain to re-learn how to use different parts of the body but also regain cognitive functions.

If someone displays any sign of physical or cognitive impairment after a head injury, be sure to get them examined immediately. This minimizes the potential impact on their life and lowers the risk of complications developing.

Learn more about TBI with Noemie and Professor Valery Feigin

Professor Valery L. Feigin

Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology

Director, National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences,

Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

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