i i

Tra rai
Traumatic Brain
(TBI) occurs when a
sudden trauma damages
the brain causing
bleeding, bruising, or
tearing of nerves.
re
ca Auto, motorcycle or
bicycle crashes
Falls
Violence
• Gun shots
• Abuse
Explosive blasts
• Military personnel
Physical symptoms Psychological symptoms
• Unconsciousness • Slurred speech
• Severe headache • Confusion
• Repeated nausea and • Agitation
VO = t 1 'g • Memory or concentration
problems
• Dizziness
• Amnesia about events
• Seizures
prior to injury
• Weakness
• Numbness in arms and legs
• Dilated pupils of the eye
To stay on the safe
side, you should
always be checked
aker a blow to the
head.
Get medical attention if
symptoms include: *
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Numbness in arms and
legs
 test
Glascow Coma Scale
ill
• A point system
to monitor level
of consciousness
ITScan or MRI
Intracranial Pressure
Monitor
• A monitor placed in
the skull to detect
swelling and pressure
on the brain
Initial treatment focuses on keeping the swelling in the brain from
causing further damage
Medications: Surgery
• DiuFetics to reduce the • Remove blood clots
amount of fluid in tissue • Repair broken skull
• Anti-seizuFe bones
medication • Remove skull bone to
• Coma-inducing allow the brain to
medication to decrease swell
oxygen needs to the brain

Therapy
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: tallying, reading, comprehension
• Therapy may continue for months or years
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,
sliateboard, motorcycle
or ATV.
Avoid falls by
maintaining a safe
environment
TBI affects not only the patient, but the total family
system
Family provides most of thecare for the injured, often
without adequate professional support and intervention
Family caregivers often experience:
• Anxiety
• Shock
• Disbelief
• Denial
• Frustration
Challenges that caregivers often encounter:
• Monitoring medications
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Adjusting to different emotions
• Grief or sense of loss
Caregiver Resources:
• Support groups through Brain Injury Association
• Supportive counseling
• Family therapy
• Respite care
Coping and support
A brain injury often Coping strategies:
erases memory of events • Slow down
that occurred just before • Stop and think
injury. • Break it down, step by
It may be difficult to step
remember new • Ask questions
information and learn • Do not assume
new taslis • Pay attention to
Some problems may get details
better over time, and • Take frequent breaks
some may be permanent. • Carry a calendar
 Re ere ce
Allen, K., Linn, R. T., Gutierrez, H., & Willer, B. S. (z OO4). Family burden
following traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 3q(i), zq-48. Brain
Injury Association, Inc. (zooo, March) Available from: www.biausa/org/ policy-
tbiauthoriazation2.htm
Chwalisz, K. (20022). Perceived stress and caregiver burden after brain injury: A
theoretical integration. Rehabilitation Psychology, 37, l8q-203.

Gervasio, A. H., & Kreutzer, J. S. (20 77)• Kinship and family member s
psychological distress after traumatic brain injury: A large sample study.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, iz(3) , 4- 6

www.allbusiness .com/hum an_ resources t35 9z)6-i. html

www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content node.jsp?nc
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www.rnayoclinic.com/health/traumatic-brain-injury/dsoo z