Category Archives: With Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature but caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities and/or physical functioning. A TBI can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning.

These impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychological maladjustment. Causes of TBI include:

motor vehicle accidents
falls
gunshot wounds
sports injuries
workplace injuries
Shaken Baby Syndrome
child and domestic abuse
military actions resulting in concussive blast injury
other forms of trauma

Common symptoms experienced by people who have Traumatic Brain Injury fall into three categories:

Cognitive and Language

Difficulty with attention and concentration
Difficulty with memory
Difficulty with confusion
Difficult with problem solving
Difficulty with decision making and judgment
Difficulty with word finding
Decreased awareness of deficits
Difficulty understanding conversation

Physical Functions

Difficulty walking
Difficulty with coordination or balance
Difficulty with swallowing
Changes in vision
Changes in hearing
Headache and/or dizziness
Fatigue
Paralysis or weakness
Slurred speech

Psychosocial Behavior

Negative changes in social skills and/or relationships
Anger/stress management issues
Increased impulsivity
Decreased initiation
Change in sleeping patterns
Behavioral and mood changes
Restlessness and/or agitation
Anxiety and/or Depression