Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range in severity, from mild to life-threatening, but each case should be taken seriously and should be treated immediately. Because regardless of the severity, all brain injuries can impact normal brain function. Here we take a closer look at traumatic brain injuries, the most common causes, symptoms, and the treatments offered at our St. Petersburg, FL chiropractic care center.  

What causes TBI?

Traumatic brain injury occurs as the result of a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head. The brain is thrust against the inside of the skull which results in bruising of the brain, tearing of nerve fibers, and brain bleed. Common causes of traumatic brain injury include falls, being struck by an object, sports injuries, violence, and car accidents. Accidents that do not directly impact the head (whiplash-type injuries) can also lead to TBI.

What are the symptoms of TBI?

The most common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:

• Sudden unconsciousness
• Memory loss
• Confusion and disorientation
• Difficulty processing new information
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to speak coherently
• Changes in behavior or sleep patterns
• Anxiety
• Depression

The severity of traumatic brain injury symptoms is dependent on whether the case is mild, moderate, or severe.  

Mild TBI: Also known as a concussion, mild TBI occurs when an individual loses consciousness for 30 minutes or less, sometimes not at all. Symptoms typically clear up within hours, days, or weeks, however, they have been known to last for months (See post-concussion syndrome below.). 

Moderate TBI: A moderate TBI causes an individual to lose consciousness for 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.  The symptoms are similar to mild TBI, however, they are more severe and last longer.

Severe TBI: A traumatic brain injury is considered severe when an individual loses consciousness for 24 hours or longer. The symptoms are the same as a mild or moderate TBI, however, extremely severe and longer lasting.

Post-Concussion Syndrome vs. Traumatic Brain Injury

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complication of a concussion in which a collection of symptoms last longer than the expected recovery period following the initial brain injury (typically weeks to months). These symptoms commonly include headaches, dizziness, and issues with concentration and memory.

The reason post-concussion syndrome develops after a TBI is still unclear, especially because there is no correlation with the severity of the brain injury. Many medical professionals believe PCS is caused by tiny areas of bruising or other damage to the nerve cells in the brain. Another theory is that the injury causes an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that lead to the occurrence of symptoms.

What are the treatments for TBI? 

At Burghealth Chiropractic and Wellness, we are at the forefront of TBI diagnosis and treatment and utilize a comprehensive approach to healing and restoring function.  At our St. Petersburg, FL chiropractic care center, we use the following services to treat mild to moderate TBI:  

• Rehabilitation services in our physical therapy room to increase oxygen
• Laser therapy to increase arterial blood flow
• Anti-inflammatories (over-the-counter and natural)

For severe traumatic brain injuries, common treatments include injections of exosomes (stem cells) and surgery.

Burghealth Chiropractic and Wellness – St. Petersburg, FL’s Top Chiropractor

To learn more about our TBI treatments and services or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractic team members, please call (727) 289-9148.