Effects Of Traumatic Brain Inju

[allan]

Guess the DOD didn't see this one

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Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

LONG TERM PROBLEMS «

Traumatic brain injury damage is usually the greatest directly following the injury. Long-term problems are often difficult to assess because temporary bruising of the brain, known as a contusion, may cause some damage. Focal damage may result in long-term and permanent difficulties. Other areas of the brain can learn to take over the functions damaged by the TBI over time and can improve the condition. When a traumatic brain injury occurs in a child their progression is often better than an adult because their brain has a greater capability to be flexible.

FUNCTION OF THE BRAIN STEM «

The brain stem regulates basic arousal and regulatory functions, as well as being involved in attention and short-term memory. When a traumatic brain injury damages this area, disorientation, frustration and anger can result. In moderate to severe injuries swelling can cause pressure on the brainstem. Consciousness or wakefulness can be affected so a person may fall into a coma.

LIMBIC SYSTEM «

Higher up than the brain stem is the limbic system, which helps regulate emotions. The temporal lobes are connected to the limbic system and are involved in many different cognitive skills, including memory and language. A traumatic brain injury to the temporal lobe can cause behavioral disorders or seizures in this area. The frontal lobe is almost always injured in a traumatic brain injury because it is so large in size and is located near the front of the cranium. The frontal lobe is associated to the emotional and personality control center, as well as many cognitive functions. A traumatic brain injury to the frontal lobe can lead to decreased judgment and increased impulsivity.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS «

Cognitive impairments can occur as a result from a traumatic brain injury, like trouble concentrating, trouble organizing thoughts, and becoming easily confused or forgetful. The damage from the traumatic brain injury can result in learning new information to become difficult and interpreting other's actions will lead to social problems, like making inappropriate statements. The TBI damage can also cause problem solving, decision-making, and planning to become difficult, in addition to judgment.

LANGUAGE ISSUES «

Traumatic brain injuries often affect language issues like articulating words and forming sentences. When language areas are affected because of a traumatic brain injury, frustration and anger can occur because the person with the TBI trying to carry on a conversation, or others, may not even be aware of their problems communicating. Words in writing and reading situations can also become difficult when the traumatic brain injury has affected the part of the brain responsible for language. Mathematical abilities, simple or complex, are also often affected.

A traumatic brain injury can cause conditions, such as dysarthia, which starts to slow, slur, and make speech difficult to understand if the speech mechanism muscles become damaged. Swallowing can become problematic brought on by dysphagia, and a condition called apraxia can make repeating words in a consistent manner difficult.

Every year 70,000- 90,000 Americans will develop long-term disabilities from a traumatic brain injury experienced. The damage that the TBI causes can severely affect every aspect of an individual's life, causing extreme obstacles, as well as pain and suffering. Treating traumatic brain injuries can result in high financial costs because of hospital bills, doctor's visits, ongoing treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. The Brain Injury Association estimates hospital and fatal injury costs relating to traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. exceed $48 billion.

http://www.traumatic-brain-injury-resource...ry/effects.html

Edited March 9, 2009 by allan