Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Treatment

Acquired brain injury can result from internal or external causes including external physical forces, hypoxia (lack of sufficient oxygen), stroke, disease, or tumor. It is not due to congenital (i.e., genetic or birth defects) or degenerative causes (e.g., Alzheimers Disease). Specific examples are:

1) Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion from a blow to the head; (tramatic brain injury [sp.])

2) Hypoxia due to near-drowning, prolonged seizures, or drug overdose;

3) Stroke due to hemorrhage (e.g., bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm or trauma) or ischemia (insufficient blood supply from a blockage of a blood vessel);

4) Disease due to inflammation (e.g., infections), toxicity, metabolic abnormalities (e.g., liver or kidney dysfunction), seizures, demyelinating disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis), or increased intracranial pressure;

5) Tumors (malignant or nonmalignant).

Regardless of the cause, parts of the brain are no longer able to function normally. This can result in cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or physical impairments. These may be either temporary or permanent and may cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial difficulties. The Brain Therapy Center provides free information, neuropsychological assessment, treatment, current research information, and helpful tips.

Currently, 5.3 million Americans are living with a disability caused by brain injury. Fortunately there are numerous sources of information for patients and their families, accessible rehabilitation programs, and many research studies being conducted about the brain in general and brain injury in particular. In fact, the field of brain research, known as neuroscience, is one of the hottest areas in all science. Insights into the workings of the brain are guiding clinicians toward increasingly better techniques for rehabilitating patients with brain injury.

What are some of the major developments that give hope to those with brain injury?

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Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Treatment