Traumatic brain injury is a term often used to describe injuries sustained by our soldiers in combat zones, but traumatic brain injury can occur from other situations. Researchers are finding new ways to treat traumatic brain injury to minimize damage and allow patients to manage symptoms.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers a bump, blow, severe jolt or penetrating wound that injures tissue inside the cranial cavity. When the head suffers a hard blow, the brain can hit the bony cavity of the skill, bruising and damaging brain tissue. Penetrating wounds can tear and even remove tissue causing severe trauma to the brain. Injuries can range from minor to severe, and cause a variety of effects.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Combat injuries are only one cause of traumatic brain injuries. Falls account for up to 35.2 percent of traumatic brain injuries. Automobile accidents account for another 17.3 percent. Ten percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by physical assaults. Sports activities often cause concussions, which as also a type of traumatic brain injury. Any injury to the head should be looked at by a medical professional to ensure that brain injury has not occurred.

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Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision and one that often leaves families feeling guilty and confused. At the end of the day, however, it is about caring for them in the best way possible, and sometimes a nursing home is not only the best option but the only option. The most important thing however is to evaluate the needs of the senior in order to find the best match to meet their needs.

Talk to a Geriatric Manager.

One way to ease the process is by talking to a geriatric manager to help you decide on the best senior facility. Geriatric managers are often nurses, social workers and psychologists with an expertise in geriatrics. They will be able to explain the different levels of care to be considered such as continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

Find and Tour Multiple Options.

Use the internet or phone book and find five facilities close to you that offer the level of care needed. Call and make arrangements to visit the facilities. Make note of how the staff answers the phone and handles your questions. If at all possible, bring your loved one with you to tour the facility.

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