How does a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) impact a person?
This is a large question and will be broken down into a few blog posts over time. TBI severity and how they impact a person fluctuate greatly. Since the brain is one of the most complex organs we have there is much research to be done in the future!
Many factors dictate how a TBI impacts a person. The following are just a few examples:
- Length of time between TBI and medical treatment
- Substance use at the time of injury
- History of prior TBIs
- Age of person when a TBI was sustained
- Loss of consciousness
Location of the TBI is a significant factor into what challenges a person may have. (If the TBI is severe enough, this may not be a factor due to the overall injury). A question to inquire with your neurologist may be:
What brain region was affected by my TBI?
- Frontal Lobe
- Parietal Lobe
- Temporal Lobe
- Occipital Lobe
- Brain Stem
Different parts of the brain control and regulate different parts of our bodies.With these factors in mind, we can highlight how a TBI may impact someone causing the following symptoms:
- Mood regulation
- Attention/concentration
- Sensory processing
- Judgment/reasoning
- Future planning
- Language and communication
- Fine and gross motor movements
- Impulsivity
- Problem-solving skills
How can mental health therapy help?
Medical procedures have become more and more advanced over the years to help the brain physically heal from a TBI. For a number of the challenges listed in the section above a therapist near you can support you with skill development, mindfulness, and working through any emotions that cause issues in your life.
Depending on how the TBI was sustained, a trauma therapist may be needed to support you on your recovery path.
If you or someone you know has had their life altered by a TBI and is in need of therapy services we offer free 20-minute consultations to determine if we are the right fit. Click here to submit an online inquiry and we’ll reach out to you within 24-48 business hours.
