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Traumatic Brain Injury

Background

Overview and symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are clinically grouped by severity: mild, moderate and severe. Mild TBI (the least severe form) is synonymous with concussion and is typically caused by blunt non-penetrating head trauma. The trauma causes stretching and tearing of axons, which leads to diffuse axonal injury.

 

Mild: 

  • Headache

  • Confusion

  • Light-headedness

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred vision

  • Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus

  • Tiredness or sleepiness

  • A bad taste in the mouth

  • A change in sleep habits

  • Behaviour or mood changes

  • Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking

  • Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes

  • Sensitivity to light or sound

  • Nausea or vomiting

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Mod-severe:

  • Headache that gets worse or will not go away

  • Loss of vision in one or both eyes

  • Repeated vomiting or continued nausea

  • Slurred speech

  • Convulsions or seizures

  • An inability to wake up from sleep

  • Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes

  • Numbness or tingling of arms or legs

  • Uncoordinated or “clumsy” movements

  • Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

  • Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hour

How physiotherapy can help

Exercise for TBI and strategies

Physiotherapeutic interventions can be grouped into three main categories:

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  • Restorative interventions focusing on reactivation of penumbra and diastasis and restoring premorbid movements

  • Compensatory interventions focusing on optimal function enhancement using remaining skills to compensate the loss, i.e.: using non hemiplegic side for personal care

  • Preventative interventions focusing on reducing impairment and promoting general health, i.e.: respiratory physiotherapy enhancing chest health.

What we offer and how we can help

Neuro Spark Rehab services for TBI

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