What Is a Concussion? What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury? Are They the Same Thing?
The terms “concussion” and “traumatic brain injury” are well-known in our culture, sometimes used interchangeably to describe virtually any bump or blow to the head. Are they the same thing? If not, what’s the difference?
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
First, let’s understand what a traumatic brain injury is. The term “traumatic” is the most important, indicating that the injury resulted from an accident or some other type of traumatic event. Some injuries or conditions that affect your brain may be hereditary, congenital (present at birth), degenerative, or may be caused by disease or even the aging process. Such conditions are commonly referred to as “acquired brain injuries,” or ABI. A traumatic brain injury, on the other hand, is one that is typically caused by circumstances outside your body, such as a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury.
What Is a Concussion?
Traumatic brain injuries are commonly categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Those TBIs that are diagnosed as mild are generally referred to as “concussions.”
How Do You Know If You Have Suffered a Concussion or a More Serious Traumatic Brain Injury?
In the aftermath of any bump or blow to the head, you should seek immediate medical attention, preferably with an acute care provider, such as Core Medical Center. A knowledgeable medical professional will conduct a thorough investigation and will assess your potential brain injury based on the parameters of the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale looks at threem different types of responsiveness to evaluate the severity of a potential brain injury:
- How your eyes respond to stimuli
- Your motor skills
- Your ability to respond verbally to questions or statements
Your doctor will give you a score for each of the three criteria and determine the nature of your TBI based on the total score. He or she may then prescribe a regimen of care or may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or physiatrist.
Contact Core Medical Center Today
At Core Medical Center, with offices in Blue Springs, Missouri, we have extensive experience helping men and women who have suffered any type of concussion or traumatic brain injury. We have the tools and resources to accurately assess your condition and either prescribe a regiment of treatment or refer you to a specialist, if necessary. Contact us online or call our offices at (819) 229-1941 to schedule an appointment.
