Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion can occur when you hit your head or move it violently so your brain impacts against your skull. The neurology team at Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders (DCND) provides cutting-edge diagnostics at offices in Centerville, Springfield, Eaton, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Beavercreek, and Huber Heights, Ohio, for patients with TBI symptoms. To seek care for a TBI at DCND, the first step is to procure a referral from your primary care physician. Then, the office will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.

Traumatic Brain Injury Q & A

What is a TBI?

TBIs result from a bump, blow, or jolt to your head or rapid brain movement. They cause various issues ranging from headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating to balance and coordination difficulties.

A concussion is the most common TBI. The primary initial symptoms include:

Headache
Nausea
Ringing in the ears
Fatigue
Loss of coordination
Dizziness
Confusion
Problems focusing

Some concussions cause you to lose consciousness. Most concussion symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks.

Sometimes concussion symptoms don’t improve as expected, causing problems for months or even years after the initial head trauma. This condition is called post-concussion syndrome. There’s no diagnostic test for post-concussion syndrome, so the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team diagnoses it based on your symptoms.

Multiple TBIs (often seen in contact sports) can be problematic. If your brain doesn’t fully heal from one incident, it takes longer to recover after the next. Long-term effects of multiple concussions include memory loss and personality changes.

When should I see a doctor about a traumatic brain injury?

Emergency room visits aren’t usually necessary for mild concussions. However, you should seek medical advice right away if you have symptoms like:

Vomiting
Difficulty using your legs and arms
Severe headaches
Sleepiness
Worsening confusion

You might have a more severe injury, such as bruising or bleeding in your brain, that could cause serious harm and may even prove life-threatening. You should also see your doctor if concussion symptoms last longer than two weeks. They can refer you to Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders for a diagnosis if they have any concerns.

What treatments help with traumatic brain injuries?

Time is the only way to heal after a concussion, but the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team can recommend treatments for troublesome symptoms. These may include medications, physical therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Preventing concussions is also vital; the main way to do this is to protect your head. Wear a helmet while playing contact sports and work on strengthening your neck muscles. Always wear a seatbelt to prevent head injuries in a car accident. Recognizing concussion symptoms after an injury can help prevent further damage.

To receive TBI care at Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, ask your primary care provider for a referral, then the team will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.