TBI Survivors
Complications after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Complications after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury, the TBI survivor may experience coma, amnesia, and brain fog. As recovery progresses, it is common to experience a range of other issues that can include coordination, headache, fatigue from sleep interruptions, anger, depression, or anxiety and stress. The links below provide more in-depth information about these difficulties and others that can result from a TBI.
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury is a Lifelong Condition
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury is a Lifelong Condition.
Source: Center for Disease Control
What Impact Will Moderate or Severe TBI Have on a Person’s Life?
The impact of a TBI can range from mild to moderate to severe – each with different symptoms, complications, and impact.
Source: brainline.org
Amnesia
In its most basic form, amnesia for someone with a TBI refers to the loss of memories including experiences, information, facts, people, etc. How long it lasts can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the traumatic brain injury.
Post-Traumatic Amnesia after Brain Injury
Source: brainline.org
Amnesia Overview
Source: Mayo Clinic
Aphasia
Aphasia is a disorder that is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language.
Aphasia Overview
Source: Mayo Clinic
Coma
Following a traumatic brain injury and depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may be in a coma for days, weeks, and longer.
Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States after Severe Brain Injury
Source: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
Neuroplasticity / Plasticity
Neuroplasticity or plasticity is the brain’s ability to constantly adapt, change, and be shaped by an individual’s experiences. A TBI damages the brain’s ability to create new pathways and strengthen existing ones in the brain, but plasticity can allow the brain to compensate for the damage. Plasticity can be activated by repetition of a task.
Your Guide to Brain Plasticity
Source: healthline.com
Managing Symptoms
Source: heathline.com
Emotional and Psychological Challenges
Traumatic brain injury survivors may experience changes in their emotions. Behavioral changes can include a lack of self-control, anger or aggression, crying easily, and even having no emotions at all.
Changes in Emotion after Traumatic Brain Injury
Source: Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
TBI 101: Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms
Source: brainline.org
Coping with Behavior Problems after Brain Injury
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance