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 crashes

• Falls
• Violence
• Gun shots
• Abuse
• Explosive blasts
• Military personnel
 Symptoms

 Physical symptoms  Numbness in arms and legs

 Unconsciousness  Dilated pupils of the eye
 Severe headache  Psychological symptoms
 Repeated nausea and vomiting  Slurred speech
 Dizziness  Confusion
 Seizures  Agitation
 Weakness  Memory 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:
•Seizures
•Unconsciousness
•Repeated vomiting
•Slurred speech
•Numbness in arms and legs
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
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
 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
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
 Family Stressors

 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
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