The brain is one of the most complex organs in our bodies, with over 86 billion neurons. It controls everything we do, from breathing, walking, scratching, talking, etc.
Without it, we would be wandering around aimlessly like zombies in The Walking Dead. That’s why having a healthy brain is essential for survival.
However, if someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, some daily functions may be a lot harder to do or lost altogether. So today, we’ll be looking at the different types of brain injuries to watch out for.
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1. Concussion
A concussion occurs when impact to your head causes slight trauma to your brain. It could be from the result of you banging your head on the wall or getting hit by someone else through a sport, like football.
Concussions are usually followed by a headache, loss of concentration, and some disorientation. You can recover from it in a matter of days, but consistent concussions can severely impact the quality of your life.
2. Brain Contusion
A contusion is a lot like a concussion; injury is caused by severe trauma to the brain. However, when you have a brain contusion, there is slight bleeding in your brain.
Sometimes the impact to your head can be so hard that it creates a coup and contrecoup injury. It’s the result of your brain shifting to the other side of your skull, leaving a bruise.
Like concussions, contusions can be minor or severe. But more serious trauma can cause the brain to swell, leading to other health complications.
3. Skull Fractures
We’re sure that some of you have experienced fractures in your arm or legs, but skull fractures are a bit different. It occurs when the impact to your head is hard enough that it breaks the bones in your skull.
Skull fractures will generally heal on their own with the help of some pain medication. However, depending on the severity of the fracture, an individual may need to undergo surgery to aid their healing process.
4. Aphasia
Sometimes brain injuries don’t happen due to impacts on your head. Secondary brain injuries can also occur from other health complications you may be suffering from.
Aphasia is a brain disorder where damage to the left side of your brain by stroke or brain tumor affects an individual’s ability to communicate. Symptoms include:
- Speaking in incomplete sentences
- Using words in the wrong order
- Failing to understand another person’s speech
Aphasia is not as well known as other brain injuries or disorders, which is why we need to continue to raise awareness and help researchers where we can. To do your part, you can donate to the Asphasia Charity Appeal.
These Are the Different Types of Brain Injuries
As you can see, there are different types of brain injuries. While a direct impact on the head causes some, others can develop from health complications. Continue to keep your brain healthy to live the best life possible.
If you’re interested in the brain or various ways to keep it healthy, check out our other blog posts.
