The Often Invisible Syndrome: Traumatic Brain Injury
Apr 1, 2023
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This podcast discusses traumatic brain injury and concussion, including definitions, classification, signs and symptoms, management, and treatment. It explores the speaker's personal journey in seeking relief from traumatic brain injury and the frustration with specialists. The podcast also covers different types of memory loss, the Glasgow Coma Scale, vulnerability of axons in brain injury, diagnosis and prognosis, advocating for oneself, inflammation and tau protein, and tips for brain health maintenance.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, emphasizing the importance of prevention through safety measures.
Proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment are crucial to address long-term complications of TBI, such as neuroendocrine disorders and post-traumatic seizures.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of focal brain bleeding, such as epidural and subdural hematomas, are essential to prevent severe complications.
Deep dives
Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions
The podcast episode explores the definitions, classifications, signs and symptoms, management, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions. It shares a personal story of a girl named Susan who experienced a concussion during softball practice and faced challenges in getting the right treatment and support.
Prevalence and Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury
The podcast highlights the prevalence and impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. It discusses how TBI is a leading cause of death and disability, with millions of emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year. It also emphasizes the importance of prevention through proper safety measures.
Complications and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury
The podcast delves into the long-term implications and complications of traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as neuroendocrine disorders, post-traumatic hydrocephalus, neuropsychiatric disorders, and post-traumatic seizures. It mentions the need for proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment to address these complications, including hormone replacement therapy, shunt placement for hydrocephalus, and anti-seizure medication for post-traumatic seizures.
Types of Focal Bleeding in the Brain
Focal injuries in the brain can result from head trauma and are categorized into different types of hemorrhages such as epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Epidural hematoma occurs when there is bleeding outside the brain's protective layer (dura) and often presents with a brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval. Subdural hematoma involves bleeding inside the dura and can cross suture lines. Subarachnoid hemorrhage refers to bleeding in the spaces around the brain structures and can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms include severe headaches. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of focal bleeding are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) involves an initial assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scoring. Repeat GCS evaluations are important in monitoring any decline in mental state. CT scans are the first-line imaging assessment to identify brain and cranial pathologies. Depending on the findings, surgical interventions may be required. Treatment for moderate to severe cases of TBI may involve intubation, mechanical ventilation, coma induction, and various medications to manage symptoms. Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, cognitive rehabilitation, psychosocial interventions, and proper nutrition, play a beneficial role in TBI recovery. It is important for individuals with TBI to seek the expertise of specialized medical professionals experienced in TBI management.
This episode was part of a live discussion for members in NEURO Academy. We discussed brain injuries and concussion, and expanded on their definitions, classification, presentation, signs and symptoms, management and treatment.
NEURO Academy is a membership based online environment where you’ll have access to resources to achieve optimal health, a better, sharper memory, and prevent cognitive decline. The platform provides the opportunity to connect with us and an empowering community and participate in weekly live Q&A sessions, live cooking sessions, live podcasts and Q&A with remarkable health leaders, have access to on demand courses on prevention of neurological diseases, expanding the course to evidence based nutrition and cooking, anxiety, and many others on various topics related to brain health. We just released a comprehensive course of evidence based nutrition in brain health, along with a complete cooking course that will help you learn the basics of healthy eating and how you can apply all the knowledge by improving what’s on your plate. You will be able to get CE or CME credits if you’re interested, and also receive certification after taking the course. Join us by visiting NEUROacademy.com.
