I have received several questions this month regarding brain injury. Rita B. from Marlboro asks, “What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an acquired brain injury?” Josh W. from Matawan asks, “What are the leading causes of TBI?” Bonnie F. from Jackson asks, “Is a concussion considered to be a TBI?”Mark P. from Jackson asks, “How does a TBI affect the brain and the body?” Rich K. from Monroe asks, “What are some long-term effects of TBI and are there ways to offset them?”Mike R. from Englishtown asks, “Are the personality changes and behavioral issues permanent after a TBI?” William G. from Colts Neck asks, “Is there a standard process to treat a patient that has a TBI?”
TBI is often called the silent epidemic because many of the issues that result from a brain injury are not immediately apparent. This speaks to Mark P’s, Rich K’s and Mike R’s questions. The brain is very complex and when injured, your body does everything is can to attempt to heal itself. That said, the effects of the injury may not be apparent until much later, possibly months or even years after the initial injury.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a TBI as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. Everyone is at risk for a TBI, especially children and older adults. That said, to answer your question Bonnie F., a concussion is absolutely considered a TBI. An acquired brain injury is defined as an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative or induced by birth trauma. So, this said, Rita B., a TBI is an acquired brain injury.
Each brain injury in unique in part because each individual in unique, so the short answer to your question, William G., is “yes” and “no.” There is a standard process for treating a TBI such as acute, sub-acute and long-term rehabs, day treatment programs, neuropsychological testing, and behavioral management programs just to name a few; however, not every individual with a TBI will go through every level of treatment and/or go through these at the same speed.
Josh W., to answer your question as far as the leading causes of a TBI, falls are the No. 1 reason. Young children and older adults are at a higher risk for falling so a brain injury occurs more often in these age groups. Motor vehicle accidents, being struck by an object and being assaulted are other leading causes for a TBI as well. It is important to note that a brain injury can happen to anyone at any time regardless of age, race, ethnicity or religion. Informing and educating yourself on brain injury is a great place to start on preventing an injury in the first place.
I would like to thank each one of you for taking the time to submit your questions. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at [email protected] or 732-865-0767.
Brie Gallo is the vice president of Operations for Allaire Rehab and nursing center. Submit all questions to [email protected].