Traumatic brain injuries Flashcards
What are the characteristics of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Characteristics of TBI vary depending on the severity of the injury. Individuals may experience mild trauma with no consequences or a variety of vague and subjective problems.
What symptoms are associated with Post-concussive Syndrome?
Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, irritability, poor judgement, emotional liability, poor learning and organizational skills, poor cognitive/communication skills, difficulty concentrating, and psychosocial difficulties.
How long can the effects of TBI last?
Effects may last hours, days, or years.
What are some cognitive complications of TBI?
Cognitive complications may include issues with memory, attention, learning, executive functions, self-regulation of emotions, and academic skills (reading, writing, math).
What speech impairments can occur due to TBI?
Speech impairments may include motor speech disorders causing articulation difficulties, dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), and voice fluency and voice disorders.
What language impairments are associated with TBI?
Language impairments may affect receptive, expressive, and pragmatic skills.
What physical and sensory complications can arise from TBI?
Physical and sensory complications may include motor speed and precision issues, balance problems, muscle weakness, eye-hand coordination difficulties, different muscle tones, seizures, and potential vision and hearing damage.
What psycho-social and behavioral changes can occur after TBI?
Changes in personality, psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects can range from aggressive and destructive to withdrawn and apathetic.
What is the acute medical phase treatment for TBI?
Immediate medical intervention includes stopping bleeding, maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain, and preventing or controlling any increase in pressure within the skull. Surgery or medication may be necessary.
What should be expected during recovery from a coma after TBI?
Look for response and recognition; confusion and agitation are common. Speech and memory may be affected.
What does rehabilitation and long-term management for TBI involve?
Rehabilitation includes physical therapy to avoid muscle atrophy and orientation strategies. A plan of care is necessary to address motor, communication, sensory, behavioral, and cognitive impairments.
How does recovery typically progress after TBI?
Recovery usually occurs rapidly during the first few months following injury, with motor functions and communication skills recovering first. Higher cognitive functioning tends to recover more slowly.
What changes may occur in recovery from TBI over time?
Change and recovery may improve over the first year, but progress may slow and plateau after several years. Compensatory strategies will be taught over time to improve functioning.
What is a key component of the plan of care for individuals with TBI?
The plan of care must address motor, communication, sensory, behavioral, and visual impairments.
How do recovery patterns typically progress after a TBI?
Recovery occurs rapidly during the first few months, with motor functions and communication skills recovering first.
What tends to recover more slowly after a TBI?
Higher cognitive functioning such as complex language, attention, memory, and behavior tends to recover more slowly.
What changes may occur in recovery after the first year post-TBI?
Change and recovery may improve over the first year, but the pace slows and may plateau after several years.
What strategies are taught over time to individuals with TBI?
Compensatory strategies will be taught over time to improve functioning.
What are some common needs for individuals with TBI in the workplace?
Common needs include regular daily schedules, routine tasks, low levels of distracting noise and light, regular breaks, and access to memory aids.
What is an important aspect of daily living for individuals with TBI?
Individuals with TBI need to perform as many Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IDLs) as possible, often requiring extensive rehabilitation.
What social difficulties might individuals with TBI face?
Individuals with TBI may have difficulty in social situations and may need to relearn social cues and behaviors.
