Traumatic Brain Injury

Common symptoms and casuses of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain caused by external force that may cause altered state of consciousness which results in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning.

Casuses of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

• Blow to the head as from an assault.
• Fall.
• When an individual strikes his head from a motor vehicle accident.
• Rapid acceleration-deceleration form a motor vehicular accident.
• Blasts as in war zones.

Criteria for consideration for traumatic brain injury:

• Any period of loss of consciousness.
• Any memory loss for events immediately before or after the accident.
• Any change in the mental state at the time of accident.
• Focal neurological deficits which may or may not be transient.

Role of physiotherapist

Most people who have had a significant brain injury will require rehabilitation. They may need to relearn basic skills, such as walking or talking. The goal is to improve their abilities to perform daily activities.

Therapy usually begins in the hospital and continues at an inpatient rehabilitation unit and continous through outpatient services. The type and duration of rehabilitation varies by individual, depending on the severity of the brain injury and what part of the brain was injured.

Physiotherapists play a role in the rehabilitation process by helping with mobility, relearning movement, balance coordination and walking.