Mild Traumatic Brain Injury – the invisible injury

Posted by Kevin ColuccioNovember 14, 2012 9:09 PM

This past weekend concussions suffered by three National Football League quarterbacks illustrated a common problem found with those suffering traumatic brain injuries. One news report indicated that 25% of the National Football League games on Sunday say a starting quarterback leave the game with a concussion. It has been reported that three professional athletes continued to play after suffering concussions. They were eventually pulled from their games.

A mild traumatic brain injury is different from other serious injuries as the injury is not detected. Other serious injuries such as broken bones, a torn knee injury or a separated shoulder are detected quickly. Treatment for those injuries often occurs immediately.

An estimated 1.7 million children and adults in the United States sustain a trumatic brain injury. Some believe that this number is much greater, as many mild traumatic brain injuries are not reported each year.

Currently more than 3.1 million children and adults in the United States live with a lifelong disability as a result of a traumatic brain injury. Many mild traumatic brain injuries go undetected.

Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury may include the following:

* Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes

* No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented

* Memory or concetration problems

* Headache

Link:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - the invisible injury