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Cell phone video of Charlotte shooting
02:20 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Traumatic brain injury usually results from a blow to the head

Injuries can range from mild to severe and lead to problems reading, hearing, seeing

CNN  — 

Cell phone video released Friday recorded Rakeyia Scott, the wife of Keith Lamont Scott, who was fatally shot by Charlotte police, screaming, “He has a TBI,” or traumatic brain injury. On Thursday, Scott’s mother told CNN affiliate WCSC about a “near-death” motorcycle accident her son survived last year.

“He had some issues with his brain, and he had two broken hips, and (his) pelvis broke in half, and his nose was broken,” Vernita Scott Walker said. “It caused him to stutter his words, and sometimes he couldn’t remember what he said.”

What causes traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury usually results from a blow to the head, such as a direct hit like a car accident in which a person’s head hits the windshield. It also can occur from severe shaking in which there is no impact to the outside of the head, but a movement forceful enough to shake the brain inside the skull. An example may be a car accident in which the head shakes at the neck and is jolted but does not collide with a surface. A more extreme example is when an object impales the skull.

Traumatic brain injuries have been linked to sports such as football and soccer, combat injuries as diagnosed in war zones, falls and physical violence.

How bad are traumatic brain injuries?

The injury in any of these instances can range from mild to severe.

Individuals with a mild case may become dazed or confused. There could be a brief loss of consciousness, such as blacking out for a few seconds.

Other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, can include headache, dizziness, loss of balance, drowsiness, having trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual, depression, anxiety, mood swings, behavioral changes, an inability to concentrate and memory problems. These patients may also experience blurry vision, ringing in the ears, an inability to smell or a bad taste in the mouth.

Individuals who suffer from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury may also experience loss of consciousness for up to several hours, an inability to wake up, headaches that worsen in severity or are persistent, tingling or numbness in their fingers or toes. They may also lack coordination, be confused, agitated or combative or slur their speech. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, seizures or convulsions. Fluid draining from the ears or nose or dilated pupils can be an indication of a severe injury.

These may occur within a few days of the injury, but aren’t necessarily immediate.

In the most severe instance, such an injury can result in death. But a patient who survives may end up in a coma or vegetative state or become minimally conscious.

In cases of an open head injury, there is an added risk of infection. Health-care providers will closely monitor patients for a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. This increases pressure, which can cause the brain to swell.

Patients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries can have problems writing and speaking. They may also have difficulty understanding what they hear, read or see. Therefore, it may be difficult for them to understand or participate in a conversation. They may also have trouble understanding social cues.

“Head trauma – when severe – can completely change a person’s ability to think, feel and accurately perceive reality,” psychiatrist Dr. Charles Raison said.

Treating traumatic brain injuries

Some patients are prescribed medication immediately after the injury.

Within the first week, anti-seizure medication may be given to prevent a possible seizure, which could cause additional brain damage. If seizures do occur, additional anti-seizure medication may be given.

Patients may be placed in a drug-induced coma temporarily to allow the brain to recover.

“A comatose brain needs less oxygen to function, this is especially helpful if blood vessels, compressed by increases pressure in the brain, are unable to deliver the usual amount of nutrients and oxygen to brain cells,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Diuretics, which help the body release excess fluid, may be given intravenously to relieve pressure in the brain.

In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

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    A team of specialists

    In addition to doctors and nurses, specialists may be called in to help patients recover from a traumatic brain injury.

    These may include physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapists. Psychiatrists or neuropsychiatrists may also be called on to help.

    Some patients also require a social worker or case manager, a rehabilitation nurse or a nurse who specializes in caring for patients with traumatic brain injuries.