The human brain controls movements, behaviors, thoughts and sensations. When someone has a traumatic brain injury, it can be difficult to walk or even think because of the impact on both the physical and emotional well-being. This causes stress for not only the patient, but also the family. Below is information about traumatic brain injury, the symptoms, the complications and how to be a good caregiver from our experts in elder care in Saginaw, MI and surrounding areas..
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is most commonly caused by a sudden, severe blow to the head. Such a blow causes the brain to crash violently against the inside of the skull. The skull itself may be able to withstand the impact without fracturing. The result is an injured brain inside an intact skull. This is referred to as a Closed Head Injury. Another type of Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when something actually breaks through the skull and comes in contact with the brain. This could be a bullet, rock, or even a fragment of the broken skull itself.
Approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury each year. Fortunately, many of these are mild concussions, but even minor brain injuries can result in long-term problems.
What are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Symptoms of a moderate to severe brain injury include:
- Persistent Headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or Seizures
- Inability to wake from sleep
- Dilated pupil(s)
- Weakness or Numbness
- Slurred Speech
- Loss of Coordination
- Confusion or Agitation
What are the Complications of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Some of the complications that can result from a Traumatic Brain Injury include:
- Coma
- Seizures
- Difficulty thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving
- Poor muscle coordination and/or visual problems
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Memory Problems
- Difficulty communicating – this may include both spoken and written language
- Difficulty learning new information or new tasks
- Personality changes – this may include socially inappropriate behavior
These complications may affect nearly every aspect of the survivor’s life. This can lead to frustration, both for the survivor and for the traumatic brain injury caregivers. The survivor may be unable to meet their own physical care and hygiene needs. Unfortunately, the survivor may also have difficulty communicating their needs to others effectively and appropriately. As a caregiver, it is important to remember that people who have sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury need to be treated with respect, compassion, and patience.