Chapter 9: Traumatic Brain Injuries

By LeAnne Syring, Ph.D.

The brain is the most powerful and amazing organ in the body. The brain controls one’s thoughts, bodily movements, sensory skills, and automatic responses throughout the body’s systems.  The brain is protected by a bony outer layer, called the skull, which is the protector of the brain. The brain is enveloped in thin membranes and cushioned with cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and the skull. This protection is sufficient in day-to-day life. However, if one experiences a trauma to their head, the skull and cerebrospinal fluid can be compromised, resulting in brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain from trauma or force, resulting in disability. A TBI may interfere with brain function, depending on the severity and location in the brain. Some TBIs can cause mild or temporary problems, while a more severe TBI can cause serious physical, mental, emotional, and lifelong disabilities. TBIs may result in a coma and/or death. Someone who has experienced one or more brain injuries, or concussions, is at a higher risk for TBIs. It is vital for anyone who has experienced head trauma to contact a physician as quickly as possible to assess the injury.

Video: From BMX to Brain Injury  (11:38)