From a fall to a traffic accident, anytime your face a sudden jolt to your brain, the risk increases that you may have a traumatic brain injury.
Unfortunately, many people often do not give the seriousness of the situation enough attention. Although no symptoms may show up immediately, the fact that more than 1.7 million people suffer from a TBI, according to research in the National Library of Medicine, indicates a lurking danger with long-term effects.
Why do TBIs go undetected?
After a head injury, common issues include headaches and dizziness. Even if a person seeks medical treatment, identifying a TBI can go unnoticed. Over time, new symptoms start to appear that may seem unrelated to the traumatic incident, such as changes in behavior, memory, sleep and thought processing, such as difficulty focusing. When those symptoms appear, it creates many challenges and stresses that make day-to-day life difficult and uncomfortable.
What long-term effects does a TBI produce?
An injured human brain affects the rest of the body. People with undiagnosed TBI often start to see a decline in their mental and physical health. In man cases, the injury may lead to psychological disorders and result in an increase in substance abuse. Additionally, studies have shown a link between a moderate or severe TBI and the development of long-term cognitive degenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
After sustaining an injury to the head, seek medical attention immediately. Along with any physical symptoms, sharing any mood or behavioral changes may help ensure a TBI does not go undetected.