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Archive for November, 2010

Computer-Mediated Communication after Traumatic Brain Injury

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Computer-mediated communication is the use of computer networking systems to communicate with others. Today, this usually comes in the form of E-mail and social media messages. For those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury, computer-mediated communication can aid in recovery by helping the injured cope with the isolation brought on by brain injury. It can also help them connect with other patients who have experienced the same injury.

Emotional Struggles for the Injured

Those who suffer with a traumatic brain injury often express a feeling that others do not take their ideas or feelings seriously. Relatives become impatient and frustrated with the slowed communication that comes from difficulty with forming and sharing ideas. Upon being discharged to the home, many patients feel disengaged and alone. The changes brought on by the injury makes it hard for patients to recognize the self they knew before. Patients may feel they are burdens to loved ones and react with anxiety, sensitivity to criticism and anger. (more…)

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Hypertonic Fluids Don’t Help Most Traumatic Brain Injuries

Monday, November 29th, 2010

$fractal mushroom$ Traumatic brain injury is the most common cause of death in those who have had blunt-force trauma to the head. Survivors generally undergo severe, long-term disabilities and may even suffer secondary injuries because of intracranial pressure and decreased blood flow.

A new study examining out-of-hospital treatment with hypertonic fluids (electrolytes) has found that giving electrolyte treatments after severe traumatic brain injuries does not improve the outcome of the patient’s health.

The study is one of many over the last few years that look at potential treatments to stop the progression of brain injury. Researchers hope to find a treatment that serves as a “neuroprotectant,” helping to protect brain cells from dying after an injury. To date, anti-oxidants and magnesium treatments have been disappointing.[1] (more…)

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New Focus for Traumatic Brain Injury Research with MRI Technology

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

A traumatic brain injury is sustained when a force acts on the brain, causing damage. The injury can be confined to a certain part of the brain or it can involve many areas. Long-term health problems can come from traumatic brain injury, including mental, emotional, and physical illness. Changes in behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder are also common.

Symptoms

Depending on the seriousness of the injury and the damage done to the brain, symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. These effects may include headache, dizziness, or fatigue. The patient may also have weakness, loss of coordination, and seizures. Some symptoms are apparent right away, while others may not develop until days, weeks, or even years after the injury has occurred.

Diagnostic Techniques

To learn how severe an injury is and what treatments are needed, imaging tests are done. Patients who have experienced mild and moderate injuries may receive X-rays on their skulls and necks to check for possible bone fractures or spine instability. (more…)

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Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Every year in the United States, over one million people suffer a traumatic brain injury. The injured person can undergo serious long-term health problems including emotional, mental, and physical injuries. Many of those with brain injuries will develop seizures. About 25 percent of closed head injuries and 50 percent of penetrating, or open head injuries, will result in epilepsy.[1]

Epileptic seizures can cause serious neurological symptoms, such as severe paralysis or mental impairment. Behavioral changes and post-traumatic stress disorder are also common symptoms in those with head injuries and epilepsy.

The two types of traumatic brain injury are closed head injury and open head injury. If someone experiences a closed head injury, the wound may not appear major. It can be caused by a blow, sharp jerk, or bump. In an open head injury, there is severe penetrating trauma to the brain. When the brain is injured, its electrical functions in brain waves and nerve pathways become damaged, causing seizures. (more…)

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BrainScope Technology May Help Players Know When it is Safe to Return to Play

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Research has shown that high school players may suffer changes in brain function from undiagnosed mild traumatic brain injury. Normal signs and symptoms of a head injury are not always apparent, so the player stays in the game, continuing to take more hits. The impact damages the brain, nerves and surrounding tissues.

New Technology Developed

To combat the problem, a new helmet has been developed, equipped with six sensors called accelerometers. Data is collected from the sensors and studied to observe how the athletes sustain impacts. Scientists hope to learn just what happens after a player experiences a concussion. As it stands, players and coaches are left to determine when the player may return to the field. (more…)

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