Adult Language Disorders-TBI (5)

TBI

Traumatic brain injury

• A disruption of normal brain functioning caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury

Primary injury

caused by the initial blow or insult to the brain

Secondary injury

Caused by the after affects of the primary, swelling, bleeding, compression and contusions to the brain

EXTERNAL:

• blows to the head

• gunshot wound

• assualt

• whiplash

• concussion

INTERNAL:

• cerebrovascular accidents

• tumor

• blood clot

• infection

Closed TBI

No penetration to the skull

Open TBI

Brain is open to the elements and skull is penetrated

How might damage from a TBI differ from a stroke? 

• Stroke = lack of oxygen due to a blockage in your blood vessels and arteries  

• TBI = injury  (more damage to the brain)

Age and gender differences-what are the age groups most at risk and why?
 

• High risk = 0-4,   > 75,   15-24 (male = peak)  

• Low risk = 5 – 9  

Mild TBI:

1. Loss of consciousness-none to 30 minutes or less

2. Headache, fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritability, sensitivity to noise or light, balance problems

3. Symptoms usually disappear after days or weeks

4. Usually not detectable on scans and neuroimaging

Moderate/Severe: TBI

1. Loss of consciousness from a few minutes to a few hours to coma lasting for days or weeks

2. Confusion lasts from days to weeks to permanent amnesia

3. Physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral impairments last for months or are permanent

4. Can be detected on scans or neuroimaging

What are possible outcomes/effects you might see with TBI

• Cognition: inattention, disorientation, poor memory, poor problem solving  

• Language, speech, and oral mechanism: dysphagia, dysarthiria, pragmatic problems, talks better than can communicate, confuse language 

• Emotion/personality: aggression/withdrawl, apathy and indifference, denial, depression, disinhibition, impulsivity, impatience, phonias, socially inappropriate, anxiety 

Know the general phases of TBI recovery

Initial – individual may be unresponsive, total assistance in hospital, when responding-may be delayed and repetitive  

• Individual will begin to respond differently and recognize individuals 

• Become more alert, will get agitated easily, short term memory and goal directed behaviors are poor, mood swings, still need hospital care,  

Know the basics of concussion

A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a hit or sudden movement. It can cause headache, confusion, dizziness, and memory issues. Symptoms aren’t always immediate, and recovery requires rest and a gradual return to activity.