PTSD

Know diagnostic criteria and signs/symptoms of TBI vs PTSD • Treatment and interventions for TBI and PTSD • Understand challenges for the caregivers of those with TBI

Know diagnostic criteria and signs/symptoms of TBI vs PTSD

TBI criteria

• any period of confusion, disorientation or impaired consiousness

• dysfunction of memory around time of injury

• LOC [lasting <30 min]

• usually defined as a closed HI by blunt trauma or force

• NOT A PENETRATING OR OPEN HEAD INJURY

Symptoms of TBI

Cognitive & physical

Cognitive

• impaired memory

• reasoning

• problem-solving

• judgement

• insight

• word finding

Physical

• change in appetite

• weight

• energy

• urinary control

• libido

• vision

• vertigo

• seizures

• pain

• HA

S/S of TBI

emotional & behavioral

• dec affective oscillation

• aggression

• Sub Abuse

• avolition

• ADHD

• irritability

• major dep

• PTSD/ psychosis

PTSD s/s & origin

develops following a traumatic event

reexperienceing trauma

avoidance of stimuli associated w trauma

peristent s/s of INC arousal

easily startled

alterations in mood

flashbacks

Hyperarousal

• hypervigilance

• startle relfex INC

• insomnia

• irritable

• difficulty concentrating

PTSD Tx

• reduction of primary s/s

• imprving functioning

• relieving comorbid s/s [depression]

• preventing relapse

MEDS

• antidepressants (SSRIs)

  • venlaflaxine

  • mirtazapine

• Antipsychotics

• Anticonvulsants

PTSD: interventions

• Listen pt description of recollection

• refrain from encouraging pt to talk if it INC anxiety

  • remain w pt

• conduct suicide assessment by observing pt self-destructive thoughts & behaviors

• Protect pt from out of control anger

• refer the pt to therapists specialized in PTSD

Interventions for address caregiver issues w TBI

• social support meetings/programs

• problem solving skills, coping, socialization

• EDUCATE ab phsycial, cog, medical status & prognosis

• assist w rehabilitation

• web-based tx programs

• encourage time for self

• materials for outpatient & community services

SURIVORS GUILT

Treatment and interventions for TBI and PTSD

Understand challenges for the caregivers of those with TBI

• social support

• financial hardship

• marital issues

• Secondary trauma