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Caring for the TBI Patient in the Home
Original Broadcast Date: September 21, 2005
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can significantly affect many cognitive, physical and psychological skills. Physical deficit can include ambulation, balance, coordination, fine motor skills, strength and endurance. Cognitive deficits of language and communication, information processing, memory, and perceptual skills are common. Psychological status is also often altered. Adjustment to disability issues are frequently encountered by people with TBI.
Brain injury can occur in many ways. Traumatic brain injuries typically result from accidents in which the head strikes an object. This is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. However, other brain injuries, such as those caused by insufficient oxygen, poisoning, or infection, can cause similar deficits.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: a brief loss of consciousness, loss of memory immediately before or after the injury, any alteration in mental state at the time of the accident, or focal neurological deficits. Most traumatic brain injuries result in widespread damage to the brain because the brain ricochets inside the skull during the impact of an accident.
Paula J. B. Stewart, MD
Healthsouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital
Respite Care Coordinator
Sandy B. Koplon, MA
Director of Community Outreach
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
None for this program.
Contact for Technical Assistance
(334) 206-5618 or email ALPHTN
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