WHAT IS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be
caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.

CAUSES

PREVALANCE
Cases per year - 27.16 Million Malaysia:
168,222 cases per year
Male : Female - 2 : 1
Age Range : 0 -19 & 75+

TYPES

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Brief or no loss of Unconsciousness (>30 Prolonged unconsciousness

consciousness (<30 mins). (>24 hours).
mins).
Serious side effects: cognitive Severe symptoms: profound
Usually resolve with time impairments, physical cognitive deficits, physical
and management. disabilities, mood changes, disabilities, sensory
behavioral difficulties. impairments, emotional
Symptoms: headaches, disturbances.
confusion, dizziness,
Often requires extensive Often leads to permanent
memory issues.
rehabilitation. disabilities, requiring
comprehensive medical care
and long term support. High
mortality rate in young adults.

SYMPTOMS
PHYSICAL COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL

Headache Difficulty Imbalance Concentration Attention Forgetfulness

speaking deficit Anger
Acting Frustration
reckless issues

Hearing Vsion Taste Repeating things Indecisive

Acceptance and Self-Awareness

COPING Regular exercise
Recognize personal
limitations and
STARTERGIES Boosts oxygen supply to
the brain and reduces
strengths. brain inflammation.
Develop a positive attitude
towards rehabilitation and
recovery. Support Network
Seek support from family,
Self-Care and Healthy Habits friends, and healthcare
professional.
Adequate sleep,
nutrition, and Join support groups or
hydration. connect with other
individuals with TBI for
Avoid substance mutual support and
abuse and prioritize understanding.
mental health.

Adaptive Techniques Stress Management:

Use memory aids such as Practice relaxation
calendars, lists, and techniques such as deep
reminders. breathing, meditation, or
yoga.
Break tasks into smaller
steps and prioritise
activities.
ASSESSMENT
GLASSGOW COMA SCALE CT/MRI SCAN
Evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses.
CT Scan: MRI Scan:
Consciousness Gauge
Initial imaging for TBI emergencies. Detailed brain tissue assessment.
Measures level of consciousness (3 to 15 scoring range).
Detects acute injuries like bleeding or fractures. High-resolution images using magnetic fields.
Severity Indication: Lower scores signal more severe impairment.
Quick and widely available. Detects subtle damage or abnormalities.
Critical Guidance: Essential for treatment decisions and prognosis.
Ideal for detecting acute hemorrhages.

NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION THE GALVESTON ORIENTATION AND AMNESIA

Mental Status Evaluation: Assess orientation,
memory, attention, language, and confusion signs.
Cranial Nerve Exam: Evaluate sensory and motor
functions of the twelve cranial nerves.
Motor Function Assessment: Check muscle strength,
coordination, balance, and detect abnormalities.
TEST (GOAT)
Sensory Function Examination: Test sensation,
proprioception, and discrimination of sensory stimuli. Widely used
Reflex Testing: Evaluate deep tendon and plantar It evaluates orientation (person, place, time) and short-term memory.
reflexes for neurological function. Crucial for understanding cognitive function Guides treatment and
Gait Assessment: Examine walking pattern and rehabilitation planning.
balance for signs of ataxia or abnormalities.

TREATMENTS
1 Emergency care
Enquiry regarding the injury
How did the injury occur? Did the person lose consciousness?

2 Imaging tests
CT SCAN / M RI SCAN
Visualising the injury and analysising the degree of the injury - mild, moderate and sever

3 Intracranial pressure monitor

Tissue swelling from a traumatic brain injury can increase pressure inside the skull and cause additional damage to the brain

4 Medications
Diuretics: Reduce Anticonvulsants: Prevent seizures Analgesics: Reduce pain during TBI
the fluids and further damage. treatment.

5 Surgery
Removing clotted blood Repairing skull Bleeding in the Opening a window in
(hematomas) fractures brain the skull

6 Rehabilitation
Brain injury often requires rehabilitation for Rehabilitation aims to improve daily activity
relearning basic skills. abilities.
Therapy starts in the hospital, then may Rehabilitation type and duration vary based
continue in various settings. on injury severity and affected brain areas.