What is a TBI
A traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is usually a result from a violent blow or jolt to the head/body. A TBI can be classified as mild/mod/severe. No two brains are alike leading to varying degrees of symptoms and recovery. Symptoms may be present immediately or begin to show weeks later. A TBI can affect all aspects of life.
Categories
- Mild
< 30 min loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation
MRI/CT scan may be normal
Physical Symptoms – nausea/vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping,
increased sleep, dizziness/loss of balance
Sensory Problems – blurred vision, ringing in ears (tinnitus), bad
taste in mouth, decreased smell, light sensitivity
Cognitive problems – HA, difficulty thinking, memory problems,
attention deficits, mood swings, frustration - Moderate/Severe
30 min loss of consciousness
Memory loss
Higher level cognitive function deficits comatose states
Physical Symptoms – decreased use of arms/legs
Convulsion/seizures, clear fluid draining
from nose/ears, weakness
Cognitive Symptoms – confusion, agitation/combativeness, slurred
speech, coma, abnormal language, loss of thinking ability, emotional problems
The top 3 causes for a TBI are car accidents, firearms, and falls. Young adults and the elderly are more susceptible. There are multiple mechanisms of injury
Open/closed head injury Deceleration injury
Chemical/toxic Hypoxia Tumor
Infections Stroke
Rehabilitation consist of a team approach
MD, nurse, neuropsychologist, PT, OT, Speech, family
Physical Therapy may consist of:
-Strength
-Balance
-Posture
-Quality of movement
-Coordination of movement
-Pain management
-Need for assistive devices
-Increased sensation of sensory motor activities
Contact Aquacare Physical Therapy for more information if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI
Nicki Evans, DPT
Millville, DE
302-539-3110