A TBI, or traumatic brain injury occurs when an outside mechanical force causes dysfunction of the brain. It’s usually caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head or body. TBI is classified into two categories: mild and severe. The effects of either type of injury are quite profound. Those with mild cases still experience a change in brain function, which can lead to challenges with work, family and personal relationships. Those with severe cases of TBI may face limited function of their limbs, problems with memory and concentration, abnormal speech, and emotional problems; many are left in unresponsive states.
A traumatic brain injury is considered mild when loss of consciousness or confusion and disorientation lasts less than 30 minutes. The danger with this type of injury is that symptoms are often overlooked because a CAT scan or MRI appears normal. However, even with normal readings the patient may still be experiencing cognitive problems such as headache, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and frustration. Did you know that the effects of TBI can last well into the future and patients may experience symptoms years and even decades after their initial injury?
A brain injury is considered severe when consciousness is lost for longer than thirty minutes or memory loss is experienced after the accident. With severe injuries the patient may be left in an unconscious state or experience loss or impairment of higher-level cognitive functions. Recovery from this type of injury varies greatly with each individual patient, but the effects of a severe traumatic brain injury can be devastating and life changing.
Did you know a traumatic brain injury could cause hormonal imbalances that contribute to a wide range of diseases such as psoriasis, asthma, arthritis, low libido, infertility, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency and low testosterone? Because the nervous system runs and influences every other system in your body, when it is dysfunctional everything else has the potential to be affected, even your hormones. For this reason it’s very important to find the right care after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. The good news is that with the right care and guidance, even the most severe cases can improve their brain function.
Functional neurologists are specialists in brain function and have extensive training in how to help patients who’ve suffered from brain injuries and other brain disorders. Using natural and computer assisted brain based therapies they can help patients gradually heal and restore brain function, allowing them to reclaim their health and their lives.