Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Our brain is an incredible and magnificent organ that controls not only the things that people do and think, but also who they are. It was once believed by philosophers that the heart was the seat of our soul but over time we now know that it is actually our brain which is the real organ of thoughts and feelings; our source of reactions to the world and interpretations of it. Now, what happens if one day you lose complete control over your nervous system and your life is torn apart? In short, what would happen to you or anyone that you know if found in such incidents such as a car accident, falls or even firearms?

All of these causes lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and it is usually the younger adults and elderly who are at the highest risk for TBI. Also known as intracranial injury a traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force injures the brain.

A head injury is a broader term that involves damage to other parts of the scalp and skull. As a result of TBI the person affected will suffer from physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems. This outcome can range from complete recovery to a permanent disability or death. Along with TBI, there are additional injuries such as spinal-cord injuries.

The method (mechanism of injury - MOI) of injury to the muscle, skin, bones and organs include Open head injury, closed head injury, Hypoxia, Tumors, Deceleration Injuries, Stroke and Infections.

EFFECTS OF TBI

Is it mild? OR Is it Severe?

Many people are quite unaware of the scope of how overwhelming dealing with TBI can be. It is first important to distinguish between the type of injury: Only after answering this question should you seek appropriate treatment.

Mild TBI is also known by other names as concussion, minor head trauma, minor TBI, minor brain injury and minor head injury. It is the most prevalent form of TBI and post injury symptoms are often known as post concussive syndrome.

Some of the common symptoms of Mild TBI include: fatigue, headaches, memory loss, visual disturbances, sleep disturbances  depression, seizures, poor concentration/attention and irritability-emotional disturbances.

There may also be other symptoms such as nausea, mood changes, slowness of thinking, sensitivity to lights and sounds, loss of smell and getting lost or confused.

It’s OK to be different and it’s all right to patient with yourself or whoever it is that is suffering from TBI. Here are some tips that may just help you out:

• Take additional time on activities if you need to. Don't rush through things that may just stress you out.

•  Manage your Stress by including some form of exercise or relaxation techniques everyday. 

•  Break down bigger tasks into small, achievable ones that can be managed.

•   Always make it a habit to repeat back what people tell you so as to ensure that YOU have got the information correct!

•  Use your cell for keeping reminders for your medicines and to take dictated notes that have regular scheduled playback time. 

•   Include exercise everyday! It will help you improve your sleep, relieve tension and also improve your attention.

•   Engage in social activities from time to time. It is very important to stay socially connected.

Effects of TBI

The mild TBI injury is considered mild because the loss of consciousness and/or confusion lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Although the person faces certain cognitive problems such as memory problems, attention deficits, difficulty thinking, headaches, frustration and mood swings; the MRI and CAT scans are usually normal.

The problem is that most often the symptoms may not even be noticed at the time of injury or may even get overlooked. They may appear as subtle and this will lead to a delay in its diagnosis.

·       On the other hand, when the person loses consciousness for over 30 minutes and faces memory loss for over 24 hours it is known is as a severe TBI injury.

The effects of TBI: The effects of TBI can be extremely profound on the individual as well as on the family. There may be cases where certain individuals suffering from severe injuries are left in long-term unresponsive states. An overall change in the functionality of the brain occurs.

It will lead to a a severe impact on an individual's family life, their job and even their community interaction. TBI contributes to many deaths across the world each year and this goes on to lead to the development of secondary mental health problems; which most people ignore. Depression and anxiety, being the top two mental health problems that people silently suffer from across the world due to the neuro-chemical changes in the brain.

Life as a Survivor of a TBI: 

Have you ever-wondered how difficult just living life is for these’ people- these survivors’ of TBI?

Daily life becomes a hindrance and small tasks that are seemingly easy become terribly difficult for them. Of course, the amount of difficulty faced will depend on how badly injured the person is. However, there are certain common complaints that are shared. These include loss of memory (forgetfulness), difficulty-paying attention (ADHD), finding it easy to become lose energy and get overwhelmed, easily frustrated, anxiety and depression.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), which was founded in 1980 is a brain injury advocacy organisation. It works at representing individuals, families and professionals who are affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and BIAA provides information, education and support to assist the millions of Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families. They have used the month of March to raise awareness of brain injury which is celebrated across the world.

Frontal lobe damage leads to an increase in irritability and limited disinhinition and self-control.

A person who suffers from a stroke will face diffivulties with their speech as well as comprehension. They may even face problems with motor functioning in certain areas of the body or hearing and vision; all depending on which part of the brain has been affected.

The brain is known to be a very malleable as well as mysterious organ which recovers in unusual manners. Emotional support cannot be under-estimated  for recovery and this type pf support is helpful both on a psychological level as well as for the patient’s motivation    

It is very important to understand your rehabilitation team, so that you can regain your abilities and independence and lead the best possible life you can.

Get to Know them: Who is Who?

·       
          Physical Therapist: He/she will work with you so that you can improve your flexibility and muscle strength.

·       Occupational Therapist: He/she will assist you with your essential activities such as bathing, grooming, using the bathroom and dressing.

·       Speech-language pathologist: He/she will evaluate your abilities to understand others and express yourself. If necessary, the speech-pathologist will also address “swallowing/sensitive-issues”

       Finally, do not let TBI define you or anyone you know! 

It is a known disability across the world and is a leading cause of death. 

Besides being the number one cause of coma, expectations do need to be kept into account. The recovery from TBI is not an easy one and involves permanent, life-changing adjustments. A lot of grit and perseverance is required.   

  

 There is power inherent in committing yourself to the process of creating health in all levels of your life – Christiane Northrup M.D.