Traumatic Brain Injury Carly Trythall Gateway Community College May 24, 2010
May 15, 2015
Traumatic Brain Injury
Carly TrythallGateway Community College
May 24, 2010
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain causing bleeding, bruising, or tearing of nerves.
What are causes of TBI?Auto, motorcycle or
bicycle crashesFallsViolence
Gun shots Abuse
Explosive blasts Military personnel
SymptomsPhysical symptoms
UnconsciousnessSevere headache Repeated nausea and
vomitingDizzinessSeizuresWeaknessNumbness in arms and
legsDilated pupils of the eye
Psychological symptomsSlurred speechConfusionAgitationMemory or
concentration problems
Amnesia about events prior to injury
When should I see a Doctor?To stay on the safe
side, you should always be checked after a blow to the head.
Get medical attention if symptoms include:SeizuresUnconsciousnessRepeated vomitingSlurred speechNumbness in arms and
legs
What tests will be done?Glascow Coma Scale
A point system to monitor level of consciousness
CT Scan or MRIIntracranial Pressure
MonitorA monitor placed in
the skull to detect swelling and pressure on the brain
How is TBI treated?Initial treatment focuses on keeping the swelling in the brain from causing further damage
Medications:Diuretics to reduce
the amount of fluid in tissue
Anti-seizure medication
Coma-inducing medication to decrease oxygen needs to the brain
Therapy
SurgeryRemove blood clotsRepair broken skull
bonesRemove skull bone
to allow the brain to swell
TreatmentTherapy
Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will need to have intense rehabilitation
Therapy begins in the hospitalTypes of therapy include:
Physical therapy: walking, strength, regaining balance
Occupational therapy: self care activities, career assistance
Speech therapy: talking, reading, comprehensionTherapy may continue for months or years
PreventionAlways wear a seat
belt!Use proper restraints
for children (car seats)Never drive under the
influence or alcohol or drugs
Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle or ATV.
Avoid falls by maintaining a safe environment
Family StressorsTBI affects not only the patient, but the total
family systemFamily provides most of the care for the
injured, often without adequate professional support and intervention
Family caregivers often experience:AnxietyShockDisbeliefDenialFrustration
Family StressorsChallenges that caregivers often encounter:
Monitoring medicationsManaging challenging behaviorsAdjusting to different emotionsGrief or sense of loss
Caregiver Resources:Support groups through Brain Injury AssociationSupportive counselingFamily therapyRespite care
Coping and supportA brain injury often
erases memory of events that occurred just before injury.
It may be difficult to remember new information and learn new tasks
Some problems may get better over time, and some may be permanent.
Coping strategies:Slow downStop and thinkBreak it down, step
by stepAsk questionsDo not assumePay attention to
detailsTake frequent breaksCarry a calendar
References Allen, K., Linn, R. T., Gutierrez, H., & Willer, B. S. (2004). Family
burden following traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 39(1), 29-48. Brain Injury Association, Inc. (2000, March) Available from: www. biausa/org/ policy-tbiauthoriazation2.htm
Chwalisz, K. (20022). Perceived stress and caregiver burden after brain injury: A theoretical integration. Rehabilitation Psychology, 37, 189-203.
Gervasio, A. H., & Kreutzer, J. S. (20077). Kinship and family member's psychological distress after traumatic brain injury: A large sample study. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 12(3), 14-26
www.allbusiness.com/human_resources/3589256-1.html www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nc www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/ www.mayoclinic.com/health/traumatic-brain-injury/ds00552 www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm