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