What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
TBI is a form of acquired brain injury which occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. TBI is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities.
Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries. Recovery is a functional recovery, based on mechanisms that remain uncertain. No two brain injuries are alike and the consequence of two similar injuries may be very different. Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury.
Symptoms of TBI
Symptoms of TBI are very varied but may include:
Physical symptoms such as loss of balance, muscle weakness, spasticity, altered sense of limb position, chronic pain and loss of stamina.
Cognitive deficits such as reduced attention, concentration, memory and speed of processing. There may also be signs of confusion, mood changes, memory loss and impulsiveness.
Other symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, dizziness, feelings of depression, seizures, nausea, speech difficulties and sensitivity to light and sounds.
Treatment of TBI
Following a TBI, physiotherapy can be useful to help with many of the physical symptoms, in particular: balance, posture, strength, spasticity management, quality of movement and co-ordination of movement. Physiotherapists can also advise on suitable wheelchair and walking aid selection.
Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will set specific goals with you and plan a programme of treatment which may involve: hands on treatment and stretches, specific exercises, suggestions of equipment or aids, practical problem solving and advice to improve day-to-day situations.
How can Neurocare Physiotherapy help me?
At Neurocare, we are all highly specialised in treating neurological conditions, so you can be confident that your physiotherapist will have the necessary experience to provide you with the specialist level of treatment which you deserve.