Although a traumatic brain injury and an acquired head injury are brought about by very different reasons, each affects a person's life in ways that change how they once lived. When you know and understand the difference between the two, it is easier to know what to do to begin the recovery process.
A traumatic brain injury is a sudden injury to the head causing damage to the brain. It can be a closed head injury or a penetrating one. It can affect one area of the brain or more than one area. When there is a penetration, the skull will be pierced and a piece of the bone from the skull may enter the brain tissue. With a closed head injury, there is no break in the skull. A skull fracture is when the skull cracks and broken pieces of bone cut into the brain.
The different types of traumatic brain injuries are:
- diffuse axonal injuries where damage occurs over a widespread area of the brain. It is a major cause of persistent vegetative state after head trauma;
- coup injuries occur under the site of impact with an object. With a coup injury, on collision with an object the head stops and the brain collides with the inside of the skull;
- contrecoup injuries usually occur on the opposite side from the area that has been impacted. Contrecoup injuries are a result of the shaken baby syndrome. It is usually associated with cerebral contusion;
- contusions are bruising of the brain;
- concussions are a jarring injury to the brain.
These types of injuries are generally caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries or physical violence. Most will result in cognitive disabilities and difficulties with physical and emotional functioning with contusions and concussions being possible exceptions.
Acquired brain injuries are acquired after birth and will change neuronal activity. They are caused by heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, meningitis, loss of oxygen, neurosurgery, brain tumors, infections, poisoning, substance abuse, choking or near drownings. The most common cause of acquired brain injuries is a traumatic injury to the brain. It is not genetic or congenital and no one is born with an acquired head injury.
Acquired brain injuries will contribute to problems with cognitive abilities, thought coordination, communication difficulties, organizational skills and memory, physical problems, social difficulties and independent functioning.
Victims of ABI retain their intellectual abilities but because behavior and thinking can be altered, it may be necessary to make a life adjustment to accommodate their new circumstances. Adjustments are critical for recovery and rehabilitation.
Like traumatic brain injuries, for those who have suffered from an acquired brain injury, no two will be the same. Differences will depend on where the injury has been sustained, the areas affected, and upon the personality of the person both pre-injury and post-injury.
In both cases, attitude and effort will make a big difference in what a person will be able to accomplish when working towards recovery.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Acquired Head Injuries and Personality Changes
Although there are many causes of acquired head injuries, strokes are the most common. And because strokes are usually followed by stress, anxiety, depression and physiological changes the stroke sufferer is experiencing, personality changes are quite often the result.
In many cases, the sufferer is having difficulty moving and speaking and will have lost their independence as a result of their stroke. Those who had pre-stroke tendencies towards handling stress well, coping with adversity and were optimistic by nature, are more likely to react better following a stroke. Those whose pre-stroke personalities made them prone to anger, anxiety or depression will find stroke rehabilitation discouraging. Lack of motivation is a common reaction with the latter group when recovery is slow and especially if there are many setbacks. And depression and apathy can follow quickly thereafter.
Personality changes are differences in behavior, thinking and interactions of someone from what their normal character has previously been. Personalities are vulnerable to changes following a stroke but these changes may not always be permanent. Once there is an improvement in their abilities, their personality may return to their pre-stroke behavior and way of looking at things.
Some stroke sufferers may have uncontrolled bouts of crying or laughing. Some may have reduced patience and increased frustration levels, be more impulsive, lack self-confidence, be self-centered, more emotional or behave inappropriately. Others may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder which is a fear of helplessness. Some have difficulty functioning socially and many have symptoms of identity loss which can lead to changes in their personalities. Identity loss is the feeling that many stroke sufferers have because of how they see themselves following a stroke. Their lives have been altered, especially if there have been major changes in their functioning abilities.
The following are some of the ways to help a stroke victim:
- treat them with respect and listen to what is bothering them;
- offer praise when they make an effort to work towards recovery;
- allow them to make choices. It is often necessary, however, to ensure that their choices are not ones that will place them at risk;
- discuss their personality changes with them and determine if they can identify and understand the changes in themselves;
- if they have an awareness, help them towards developing compensatory strategies;
- express your feelings about the changes and encourage them to discuss how they feel about the changes;
- discuss with them how personality changes have impacted their relationships.
If they are uncomfortable discussing their personality changes with someone close to them, perhaps it would be easier for them to do it with a third party, unbiased person who is not closely involved with them. Being aware of their personality changes can help considerably towards being able to work on them.
In many cases, the sufferer is having difficulty moving and speaking and will have lost their independence as a result of their stroke. Those who had pre-stroke tendencies towards handling stress well, coping with adversity and were optimistic by nature, are more likely to react better following a stroke. Those whose pre-stroke personalities made them prone to anger, anxiety or depression will find stroke rehabilitation discouraging. Lack of motivation is a common reaction with the latter group when recovery is slow and especially if there are many setbacks. And depression and apathy can follow quickly thereafter.
Personality changes are differences in behavior, thinking and interactions of someone from what their normal character has previously been. Personalities are vulnerable to changes following a stroke but these changes may not always be permanent. Once there is an improvement in their abilities, their personality may return to their pre-stroke behavior and way of looking at things.
Some stroke sufferers may have uncontrolled bouts of crying or laughing. Some may have reduced patience and increased frustration levels, be more impulsive, lack self-confidence, be self-centered, more emotional or behave inappropriately. Others may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder which is a fear of helplessness. Some have difficulty functioning socially and many have symptoms of identity loss which can lead to changes in their personalities. Identity loss is the feeling that many stroke sufferers have because of how they see themselves following a stroke. Their lives have been altered, especially if there have been major changes in their functioning abilities.
The following are some of the ways to help a stroke victim:
- treat them with respect and listen to what is bothering them;
- offer praise when they make an effort to work towards recovery;
- allow them to make choices. It is often necessary, however, to ensure that their choices are not ones that will place them at risk;
- discuss their personality changes with them and determine if they can identify and understand the changes in themselves;
- if they have an awareness, help them towards developing compensatory strategies;
- express your feelings about the changes and encourage them to discuss how they feel about the changes;
- discuss with them how personality changes have impacted their relationships.
If they are uncomfortable discussing their personality changes with someone close to them, perhaps it would be easier for them to do it with a third party, unbiased person who is not closely involved with them. Being aware of their personality changes can help considerably towards being able to work on them.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Brain Injury Awareness
March is the month set aside to remind all of us of the importance of increasing the quality of life for those suffering from both traumatic and acquired brain injuries. It is also a time to remember that there are things each of us can do to prevent brain injuries for ourselves and our families.
As the population ages, acquired brain injury in particular becomes a major concern. Acquired brain injuries are causes by internal forces such as strokes, tumors, infections, substance abuse, various illnesses and oxygen deprivation. Strokes are the leading cause of these types of brain injuries.
Symptoms of a stroke are:
- a sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body;
- a sudden dimness or loss of vision, usually in one eye;
- loss of speech or difficulty in understanding what others are saying;
- a sudden severe headache;
- unexplained dizziness or falling down, especially if experienced with one of the other symptoms.
Recovery from strokes varies largely depending upon the severity of it. Other things that contribute to recovery from a stroke depend on how quickly treatment was received and the type of treatment given, as well as the determination of the stroke sufferer to improve.
The following are some ways to reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke:
- control diabetes by watching your diet and monitoring your diabetes daily;
- control high blood pressure by monitoring and avoiding sodium or foods with high salt content;
- control your cholesterol level by watching your diet and exercising regularly;
- avoid smoking;
- limit alcohol intake;
- exercise regularly and avoid the risk of becoming overweight by eating a healthy diet;
- become active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle;
- avoid stress where possible;
- get regular check-ups and follow the advise of your doctor.
However, there are some things we do not have control over. Strokes do increase with age. Two-thirds of those who suffer from strokes are over sixty-five years of age. Gender also has a bearing. Twenty-five percent more men than women will have a stroke. For both men and women, having a family history of strokes or heart disease increases the risks of suffering from a stroke.
Each of us can do our part in eliminating the risk of stroke for ourselves and in those we care about by living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do so also. Some of the ways we can do this is by getting out and walking, bicycling, swimming or joining a yoga group. And we can increase the amount of vegetables and fruit we eat and eliminate the foods that are not good for us.
March is a good time to get family and friends together to increase your activity and make the decision to live a more healthy lifestyle and have some fun as well.
As the population ages, acquired brain injury in particular becomes a major concern. Acquired brain injuries are causes by internal forces such as strokes, tumors, infections, substance abuse, various illnesses and oxygen deprivation. Strokes are the leading cause of these types of brain injuries.
Symptoms of a stroke are:
- a sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body;
- a sudden dimness or loss of vision, usually in one eye;
- loss of speech or difficulty in understanding what others are saying;
- a sudden severe headache;
- unexplained dizziness or falling down, especially if experienced with one of the other symptoms.
Recovery from strokes varies largely depending upon the severity of it. Other things that contribute to recovery from a stroke depend on how quickly treatment was received and the type of treatment given, as well as the determination of the stroke sufferer to improve.
The following are some ways to reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke:
- control diabetes by watching your diet and monitoring your diabetes daily;
- control high blood pressure by monitoring and avoiding sodium or foods with high salt content;
- control your cholesterol level by watching your diet and exercising regularly;
- avoid smoking;
- limit alcohol intake;
- exercise regularly and avoid the risk of becoming overweight by eating a healthy diet;
- become active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle;
- avoid stress where possible;
- get regular check-ups and follow the advise of your doctor.
However, there are some things we do not have control over. Strokes do increase with age. Two-thirds of those who suffer from strokes are over sixty-five years of age. Gender also has a bearing. Twenty-five percent more men than women will have a stroke. For both men and women, having a family history of strokes or heart disease increases the risks of suffering from a stroke.
Each of us can do our part in eliminating the risk of stroke for ourselves and in those we care about by living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do so also. Some of the ways we can do this is by getting out and walking, bicycling, swimming or joining a yoga group. And we can increase the amount of vegetables and fruit we eat and eliminate the foods that are not good for us.
March is a good time to get family and friends together to increase your activity and make the decision to live a more healthy lifestyle and have some fun as well.
Multiple Head Injuries and Dementia
According to statistics, it is thought that repeated head injuries are the third most common cause of dementia. Repeated head injuries can be the result of concussions which are common with boxers in particular but with many other athletes as well.
Most in the medical field now agree that concussions are a mild head injury. Historically, concussions involved loss of consciousness but this does not always happen. However, when it does, it is considered to be a more serious brain injury than if there had been no loss of consciousness.
In the case of boxers, the onset of early dementia can begin about fifteen years following the first concussion. It is estimated that between fifteen and twenty percent of boxers can be affected but also hockey, soccer and football players who suffer multiple concussions can suffer the effects as well.
When concussions initially occur, sadly they may not be identified as such or may even be ignored. However, with rest, in time they will heal. Some of the possible initial symptoms of a concussion are headaches, dizziness, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision, confusion, slurred speech, tearfulness or irritability. There is no indication that someone who has suffered only one concussion is at risk for dementia.
It is important for athletes who are at risk for developing dementia in later life to do things to prevent or delay the onset of it. The following preventative measures should be taken:
- it is important to exercise consistently;
- eat a brain healthy diet;
- avoid smoking;
- avoid alcohol;
- challenge your brain by learning new things;
- get a lot of rest.
The nature of dementia depends on the type and location of the head injury and the person's characteristics previous to their injury. Dementia related symptoms are:
- memory difficulties;
- tremors and lack of coordination;
- speech and communication problems;
- difficulty walking;
- inappropriate behavior and paranoia;
- explosive anger;
- cognitive and emotional difficulties;
- personality changes;
- delusions and or hallucinations, confusion and disorientation;
- a decrease in problem solving abilities and judgment;
- depression and irritability;
- declining mental ability to think and concentrate;
- and possibly other prolonged and irreversible problems such as impaired recognition which will impact daily living and independence.
Rest is important during the healing process . A return to any sports' activities should be based on the severity of the concussion. Injured players should be symptom-free for one week following a concussion but if they become unconscious, all sports activities should be avoided for a month after all symptoms have cleared. It is important to avoid a second concussion until well after all symptoms have cleared. And if there is any swelling or bleeding of the brain, sports and the risk of another concussion, should be avoided for an indefinite period of time.
Most in the medical field now agree that concussions are a mild head injury. Historically, concussions involved loss of consciousness but this does not always happen. However, when it does, it is considered to be a more serious brain injury than if there had been no loss of consciousness.
In the case of boxers, the onset of early dementia can begin about fifteen years following the first concussion. It is estimated that between fifteen and twenty percent of boxers can be affected but also hockey, soccer and football players who suffer multiple concussions can suffer the effects as well.
When concussions initially occur, sadly they may not be identified as such or may even be ignored. However, with rest, in time they will heal. Some of the possible initial symptoms of a concussion are headaches, dizziness, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision, confusion, slurred speech, tearfulness or irritability. There is no indication that someone who has suffered only one concussion is at risk for dementia.
It is important for athletes who are at risk for developing dementia in later life to do things to prevent or delay the onset of it. The following preventative measures should be taken:
- it is important to exercise consistently;
- eat a brain healthy diet;
- avoid smoking;
- avoid alcohol;
- challenge your brain by learning new things;
- get a lot of rest.
The nature of dementia depends on the type and location of the head injury and the person's characteristics previous to their injury. Dementia related symptoms are:
- memory difficulties;
- tremors and lack of coordination;
- speech and communication problems;
- difficulty walking;
- inappropriate behavior and paranoia;
- explosive anger;
- cognitive and emotional difficulties;
- personality changes;
- delusions and or hallucinations, confusion and disorientation;
- a decrease in problem solving abilities and judgment;
- depression and irritability;
- declining mental ability to think and concentrate;
- and possibly other prolonged and irreversible problems such as impaired recognition which will impact daily living and independence.
Rest is important during the healing process . A return to any sports' activities should be based on the severity of the concussion. Injured players should be symptom-free for one week following a concussion but if they become unconscious, all sports activities should be avoided for a month after all symptoms have cleared. It is important to avoid a second concussion until well after all symptoms have cleared. And if there is any swelling or bleeding of the brain, sports and the risk of another concussion, should be avoided for an indefinite period of time.
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