Brain Injury - Biopsychosocial

Question 1

What is brain injury

-some causes

Answer 1

Injury occurred since birth
Causes - can be traumatic/non traumatic (metabolic), focal/diffuse
-Vascular (ICH, SAH, EDH, SDH)
-Axonal injury
-Contusions (often affecting frontal, occipital)
-Lacerations

Question 2

Progression of brain injury

Answer 2

Initial injury - requires neuroprotective care
Secondary brain injury - due to inflammation and afteraffects post initial injury
-neurodegenerative processess

Question 3

Cognitive impairment

Answer 3

Cognition - process of knowing, selection, acquisition, understanding, retention and application of knowledge

Cognitive impairment - functioning below expected levels or loss of ability in an area of cognitive functioning
-affects everyday life

Question 4

Effects of brain injury

Answer 4

Cognitive impairment

• executive functioning
• memory
• apathy
• communication, social competence, recognition of emotions (alexithymia)
• lack of insight into deficit (try to use limb that no longer works)
• cognitive fatigue

Physical impairment

• fatigue
• motor impairment
• cranial nerve dysfunction (anosmia, eyes)

Question 5

Prognosis for individuals with brain injury

Answer 5

Premature mortality, increased morbidity
Increased prevalence of
-depression, OCD, panic disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar
-drug, alcohol abuse
Employment and relationships can be heavily impacted