TBI is brain damage produced by a blow or jolt to the head that is blunt or penetrating. The injury that occurs upon impact is referred to as the primary injury. Primary injuries can affect a particular lobe of the brain or the entire brain. Sometimes, but not always, the skull may be shattered. During an accident, the brain strikes the interior of the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, and shredding of nerve fibers. Immediately following an accident, the individual may be disoriented, forget what occurred, experience blurred vision and vertigo, or lose consciousness. The individual may initially appear healthy, but their condition can deteriorate swiftly. After the first collision, the brain experiences delayed trauma; it swells, pressing against the skull and decreasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood. It is known as secondary injury, which is frequently more detrimental than the initial damage.
Classification of traumatic brain injuries according to degree and mechanism of injury:
1) Mild:
The subject is awake; their eyes are open. There may be symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, memory loss, headache, and short loss of consciousness.
2) Moderate:
A person is lethargic; their eyes are receptive to stimuli. Twenty minutes to six hours of loss of consciousness. Some brain swelling or bleeding might cause drowsiness, but it is still possible to awaken.
3) Severe:
The individual is unconscious, and their eyes do not respond to stimulus. Consciousness loss lasting longer than six hours.
Catastrophic Brain Injury Recovery Methods:
Rehabilitation therapy
1) Physical therapy helps increase physical strength, balance, and flexibility and to aid in energy restoration.
Occupational therapy to learn or relearn daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and bathing.
2) Speech therapy to increase the capacity to speak properly, speak aloud, and use other communication skills; it can include training on how to use special communication equipment and dysphagia treatment.
3) Psychological treatment to acquire coping skills, work on interpersonal connections, and enhance overall mental health; can include medication and other methods to correct chemical imbalances that may come from TBI.
4) Vocational counseling can assist a patient in returning to work and community life by identifying suitable employment options and coping strategies for job obstacles.
How to Help Your Brain Heal After an Injury without therapy
Get sufficient rest at night and during the day.
Increase your intensity gradually.
Write down the items that may be more difficult to remember than normal.
Avoid alcohol, drugs, and caffeine.
Consume brain-nourishing foods.
Stay hydrated by consuming copious amounts of water.
Ask your doctor when you may safely drive, ride a bike, or use machinery.
Avoid engaging in physically demanding activities.
Avoid tasks that require extensive thought or focus
Be patient, as Catastrophic Brain Injury Recovery takes time.
Conclusion
Even if there are no signs of TBI, it is essential to treat anyone who has sustained a head injury in order to prevent long-term damage to their brain. Treatment options include medication that can prevent further damage from occurring, such as antibiotics and rehabilitation therapy.