TBI: Injury to the brain from an external force causing transient or permanent neurological dysfunction.
Wide range of functional changes, Thinking, sensation, movement, language, and/or emotions. (immediately or days or weeks after).
MEDICAL ISSUES
- Visual deficits, swallowing
- Spasticity – Contractures & Pain
- Posttraumatic agitation & seizures
- DVT
NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT (MOTOR, SENSORY AND AUTONOMIC)
- Motor function – weakness, coordination, balance, hand function, speech
- Sensory – taste, touch, hearing, vision, smell
- Sleep disturbance – insomnia, fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
- Memory, difficulty with new learning, attention and concentration.
- Reduced speed and flexibility of thought processing, problem-solving skills.
- Planning, organising, and making decisions
- Language – dysphasia, word finding and reading and writing skills
- Impaired judgement and safety awareness
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Nurse
- Low stimulation environment
- Personal care & Skin care
- Bladder &Bowel
- Helps patient practice what they learn in therapy
- Medications and care instructions.
Physiotherapist
- Stretch muscles and maintain joint ROM
- Secretion management
- Breathing exercises and chest physiotherapy to prevent atelectasis, and improve stamina and strength
- Balance & Gait training
- Strengthen muscles for use in daily activities
Occupational therapist
- ADL
- Assess thinking skills and behavior
- Orthotics
- Upper Limb functioning
- Oro-motor stimulation
- Swallowing
- Speech/Communication