2. What is Traumatic Brain Injury? Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain causing bleeding, bruising, or tearing of nerves.
3. What are causes of TBI? Auto, motorcycle or bicycle crashes Falls Violence Gun shots Abuse Explosive blasts Military personnel
4. Symptoms Physical symptoms Unconsciousness Severe headache Repeated nausea and vomiting Dizziness Seizures Weakness Numbness in arms and legs Dilated pupils of the eye Psychological symptoms Slurred speech Confusion Agitation Memory or concentration problems Amnesia about events prior to injury
5. 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: Seizures Unconsciousness Repeated vomiting Slurred speech Numbness in arms and legs
6. What tests will be done? Glascow Coma Scale A point system to monitor level of consciousness CT Scan or MRI Intracranial Pressure Monitor A monitor placed in the skull to detect swelling and pressure on the brain
7. 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 Surgery Remove blood clots Repair broken skull bones Remove skull bone to allow the brain to swell
8. Treatment Therapy Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will need to have intense rehabilitation Therapy begins in the hospital Types of therapy include: Physical therapy: walking, strength, regaining balance Occupational therapy: self care activities, career assistance Speech therapy: talking, reading, comprehension Therapy may continue for months or years
9. Prevention Always 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
10. FamilyStressors TBI affects not only the patient, but the total family system Family provides most of the care for the injured, often without adequate professional support and intervention Family caregivers often experience: Anxiety Shock Disbelief Denial Frustration
11. Family Stressors Challenges that caregivers often encounter: Monitoring medications Managing challenging behaviors Adjusting to different emotions Grief or sense of loss Caregiver Resources: Support groups through Brain Injury Association Supportive counseling Family therapy Respite care
12. Coping and support A 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 down Stop and think Break it down, step by step Ask questions Do not assume Pay attention to details Take frequent breaks Carry a calendar
13. 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
