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.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Improving Our Brain and Reducing Our Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Later Life
In an interview seen recently on television, Daniel Amen, M.D., clinical neuroscientist and adult and child psychologist was talking about his book 'Change Your Brain and Change Your Life'. His book is not only for those suffering from brain injury but apparently has information for everyone on how to increase the potential of our brains.
The following are some things that Dr. Amen claims can improve our brains now but will also lower our risk for Alzheimer's disease in later life:
- to exercise at least four times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes, preferably cardiocvascular exercises;
- to eat a diet high in vegetables (particularly the most colorful vegetables), fruit and fish but little or no red meat;
- to take omega 3 fish oil supplements;
- to take a daily multi-vitamin supplement;
- to eat blueberries (top of the list), cranberries and walnuts;
- to get a minimum of at least seven hours of sleep each night;
- to relax through meditation; and
-to drink a lot of water.
He also recommended that in order to be physically and mentally healthy throughout our lives drinking alcohol to excess and smoking also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease down the road.
Not only will doing the above, according to Dr. Amen, reduce our risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it will also help those who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, who are obsessive-compulsive, who have negative thought patterns or inflexibility in their thinking.
Taken from another source is the suggestion that honey and cinnamon when taken together can increase alertness and vitality.
It is important to start looking after our brains as young as possible but as Dr. Amen points out, it is also never too late to start.
The following are some things that Dr. Amen claims can improve our brains now but will also lower our risk for Alzheimer's disease in later life:
- to exercise at least four times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes, preferably cardiocvascular exercises;
- to eat a diet high in vegetables (particularly the most colorful vegetables), fruit and fish but little or no red meat;
- to take omega 3 fish oil supplements;
- to take a daily multi-vitamin supplement;
- to eat blueberries (top of the list), cranberries and walnuts;
- to get a minimum of at least seven hours of sleep each night;
- to relax through meditation; and
-to drink a lot of water.
He also recommended that in order to be physically and mentally healthy throughout our lives drinking alcohol to excess and smoking also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease down the road.
Not only will doing the above, according to Dr. Amen, reduce our risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it will also help those who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, who are obsessive-compulsive, who have negative thought patterns or inflexibility in their thinking.
Taken from another source is the suggestion that honey and cinnamon when taken together can increase alertness and vitality.
It is important to start looking after our brains as young as possible but as Dr. Amen points out, it is also never too late to start.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Effects of Marijuana on the Brain
Although there are a few positive aspects to the use of marijuana such as assisting and controlling pain and its use for cancer and AIDS patients, according to my research there are more negative than positive issues related to it. The following are some of the harmful, and not so harmful, effects of using marijuana:
- Marijuana can hinder the memory. While under the influence of marijuana, new information may not register and could be lost from memory.
- It can have a harmful affect on the central nervous system.
- It can affect the emotions causing depression, chronic anxiety or panic attacks in some people.
- Some users may be affected in such a way that one minute they will be laughing uncontrollably and in the next may be experiencing feelings of paranoia.
- It can trigger severe mental disturbances, particularly in the case where a brain has already been seriously hampered as in the case of someone who has suffered a brain injury, is schizophrenic or has a bipolar disorder.
- In some cases, and with repeated heavy usage, it can damage nerve cells.
- It could possibly contribute to cognitive impairment, while using, which will make learning difficult.
- It can cause psychotic reactions such as delusions or hallucinations.
- It may have an affect, on some users, on concentration abilities and distort perceptions, particularly as it relates to time.
- Usage of marijuana will slow the reflexes and reaction times thereby interfering with driving abilities.
- It can affect the release of dopamine which has the potential of creating medical problems.
Although some believe that those who use marijuana are more at risk for becoming addicted to harder drugs, in a 2006 United Kingdom government report, it was stated that they considered it to be less dangerous than tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.
Besides its ability to control pain, further research indicates that it can help to reduce stress, increase the libido and creativity, encourage philosophical thinking, enhance enjoyment of food and music and inhibit aggression, in some people.
But when looking at the issue of marijuana usage as a whole, the harmful effects to the brain seem to heavily outweigh any benefits there may be to the user.
- Marijuana can hinder the memory. While under the influence of marijuana, new information may not register and could be lost from memory.
- It can have a harmful affect on the central nervous system.
- It can affect the emotions causing depression, chronic anxiety or panic attacks in some people.
- Some users may be affected in such a way that one minute they will be laughing uncontrollably and in the next may be experiencing feelings of paranoia.
- It can trigger severe mental disturbances, particularly in the case where a brain has already been seriously hampered as in the case of someone who has suffered a brain injury, is schizophrenic or has a bipolar disorder.
- In some cases, and with repeated heavy usage, it can damage nerve cells.
- It could possibly contribute to cognitive impairment, while using, which will make learning difficult.
- It can cause psychotic reactions such as delusions or hallucinations.
- It may have an affect, on some users, on concentration abilities and distort perceptions, particularly as it relates to time.
- Usage of marijuana will slow the reflexes and reaction times thereby interfering with driving abilities.
- It can affect the release of dopamine which has the potential of creating medical problems.
Although some believe that those who use marijuana are more at risk for becoming addicted to harder drugs, in a 2006 United Kingdom government report, it was stated that they considered it to be less dangerous than tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.
Besides its ability to control pain, further research indicates that it can help to reduce stress, increase the libido and creativity, encourage philosophical thinking, enhance enjoyment of food and music and inhibit aggression, in some people.
But when looking at the issue of marijuana usage as a whole, the harmful effects to the brain seem to heavily outweigh any benefits there may be to the user.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Long Road Ahead for Gabrielle Giffords
No one knows how hard that road will be to travel better than Gabrielle Giffords. And even she doesn't know because it's an unfamiliar and uncharted road with no one, including herself, knowing what pitfalls there are going to be ahead or what the real extent of her brain injury will be.
Will her personality change? The Gabby Giffords that those who know her are familiar with would no doubt plunge fearlessly into the unknown territory of this challenge and fight to get better. But is she the same Gabby? Will she still have a smile on her face and an answer for the constituents she is representing? It will take time for that to be known by her medical team as well as by Gabby and her family.
One news source said she was recuperating from her traumatic brain injury. Anyone who has been involved with or has worked with someone who has suffered from a brain injury knows that no one 'recuperates' from one. They will improve, they will adapt and adjust and they will learn to cope but they don't recuperate. And at the very least, most will be left with some deficits. It is a tough road to walk and the hard work she is facing should not be forgotten or ignored when hearing news articles that appear to negate the extreme seriousness of her situation.
No two brain injuries are the same. Those with determination and the motivation to push themselves will definitely be ahead of the game. Also, if Gabby Giffords is fortunate enough to receive cognitive therapy and treatment as soon as possible, I feel very positive about her future outcome. I have seen first-hand the positive results of early therapy.
For more information about brain injuries go to:
- Lash & Associates Publishing/Training Inc. www.lapublishing.com
- The National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu
- Brain Injury News and Information Blog www.BrainInjury.blogs.com
- Northeast Center for Special Care
- Brain Injury Association of North America www.biausa.org
I wish Gabrielle Giffords success as she faces her biggest challenge yet. She has a lot of things on her side though – her relatively young age, her strong personality (as evidenced by what she has already been able to accomplish in her life), and hopefully a determined spirit. Best wishes to Gabby and her family and to everyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Will her personality change? The Gabby Giffords that those who know her are familiar with would no doubt plunge fearlessly into the unknown territory of this challenge and fight to get better. But is she the same Gabby? Will she still have a smile on her face and an answer for the constituents she is representing? It will take time for that to be known by her medical team as well as by Gabby and her family.
One news source said she was recuperating from her traumatic brain injury. Anyone who has been involved with or has worked with someone who has suffered from a brain injury knows that no one 'recuperates' from one. They will improve, they will adapt and adjust and they will learn to cope but they don't recuperate. And at the very least, most will be left with some deficits. It is a tough road to walk and the hard work she is facing should not be forgotten or ignored when hearing news articles that appear to negate the extreme seriousness of her situation.
No two brain injuries are the same. Those with determination and the motivation to push themselves will definitely be ahead of the game. Also, if Gabby Giffords is fortunate enough to receive cognitive therapy and treatment as soon as possible, I feel very positive about her future outcome. I have seen first-hand the positive results of early therapy.
For more information about brain injuries go to:
- Lash & Associates Publishing/Training Inc. www.lapublishing.com
- The National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu
- Brain Injury News and Information Blog www.BrainInjury.blogs.com
- Northeast Center for Special Care
- Brain Injury Association of North America www.biausa.org
I wish Gabrielle Giffords success as she faces her biggest challenge yet. She has a lot of things on her side though – her relatively young age, her strong personality (as evidenced by what she has already been able to accomplish in her life), and hopefully a determined spirit. Best wishes to Gabby and her family and to everyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury.
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