Traumatic Brain Injury

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.