The main classifications of brain injury
Brain injuries are classified as traumatic or non-traumatic. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a blow to the head, such as from a fall, a car accident, a gunshot wound or an explosion. A non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI), which involves no external force, may result from a stroke, a tumor, an infection, or a lack of oxygen.
Since the brain is our center for speech, thinking, movement and emotion, brain injuries can affect our abilities in many different ways, depending on the severity of the injury.
Brain injuries may have physical and emotional symptoms
Brain injury symptoms vary from person to person. With TBI or NTBI you may feel depressed or have trouble controlling your emotions, or you may feel like you’ve lost your ability to control how you speak or walk.
You may experience physical symptoms, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of control of bowel and bladder
- Seizures
Or emotional symptoms, such as:
- Changes in personality
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Difficulty remembering things
- Inappropriate behaviors
- Mood swings
Treatment of TBI and NTBI
Your path to recovery depends on what type of brain injury you have and how it has affected your ability to live your life. At Main Line Health you’ll have an entire team of brain injury experts every step of the way, from intensive care to rehabilitative services to outpatient therapy.
