Brain Injury in Pinellas Park
WHAT IS A BRAIN INJURY?
There are 2 types of acquired brain injury: traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury or TBI happens when there are forces exerted on the brain which cause damage. Common causes are falls, car accidents, and band lows to the head (gunshot wounds, violence/abuse, sports injuries, etc). There are two types: close head injury and penetrating injury.
A non-traumatic brain injury happens when there is internal damage to the brain, such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, or pressure from a tumor. Common causes are stroke, brain tumor, infectious disease, meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), drug overdose, and neurotoxin poisoning
WHAT IS A BRAIN INJURY?
There are 2 types of acquired brain injury: traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury or TBI happens when there are forces exerted on the brain which cause damage. Common causes are falls, car accidents, and band lows to the head (gunshot wounds, violence/abuse, sports injuries, etc). There are two types: close head injury and penetrating injury.
A non-traumatic brain injury happens when there is internal damage to the brain, such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, or pressure from a tumor. Common causes are stroke, brain tumor, infectious disease, meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), drug overdose, and neurotoxin poisoning
SEVERITY OF BRAIN INJURY
Mild Brain Injury
- Brief, if any, loss of consciousness
- Vomiting & Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Memory loss
Moderate Brain Injury
- Unconsciousness up to 24 hours
- Signs of brain trauma
- Contusions or bleeding
- Signs of injury on neuroimaging
Severe Brain Injury
- Unconsciousness over 24 hours
- No sleep/wake cycle during loss of consciousness
- Signs of injury on neuroimaging
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Physical symptoms
- Weakness of the arm, leg, trunk, head
- Difficulty with functional movements like transferring, walking, balancing
- Abnormal muscle tone or posturing
Cognitive/Behavioral symptoms:
- Memory loss or difficulty
- Behavioral changes
- Difficulty with concentration
- Poor safety awareness
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Personality changes
Sensory symptoms:
- Vision changes
- Hearing difficulty
- Loss or decreased sensation
- Off balance
- Headaches
HOW CAN A PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) HELP?
Through multiple modes of treatment, a Physical Therapist can help someone with brain injury with:
- Increase alertness
- Improve flexibility to gain or maintain a normal range of motion
- Ability to move around in bed, get in and out of bed
- Ability to get in and out of different surfaces
- Ability to walk
- Improve strength
- Improve balance and coordination
- Fitting and prescribing a customized wheelchair
- Prescribing assistive devices and adaptive equipment
- Return to sports and recreational activities
Treatment for brain injury includes, but not limited to:
- Balance & Postural training
- Gait training, include High intensity gait training and body weight support walking training
- Strength training
- Endurance training
- Use of functional electrical stimulation
- Neuromuscular re-education
HOW CAN AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OT) HELP?
OT can help in various aspects of independent living for those with a brain injury. They are instrumental in providing tools and treatments to maximize independence. OT treatments for brain injury include, but are not limited to:
- Coping skills when it comes to emotional and behavioral problems.
- Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, feeding, home management, medications management, etc.)
- Memory strategies (checklists, planners, specialized apps)
- Caregiver education and training
- Recommendation of adaptive equipment to improve safety around the home & maximize independence
- Social skills
- Vocational rehab to get the person to return to work, school or other community activities
- Driving rehab
- Home modifications
Request an appointment with one of our physical therapists today and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!
In the end, an active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help.
Patients with bleeding disorders, extreme fear of needles, on medications that prevent clotting or promote excessive coagulation, or with tender points directly near vital neural or vascular tissue may be identified as contraindicated to this treatment by a practitioner.
Success Stories & Testimonials
As an Occupational Therapist, knowing the right resources can make all the difference to a client’s recovery and health. Neubility Rehab is the best for Neuro therapy in Pinellas. I highly recommend them!
Jennifer Trevino
I had a great experience with Neubility! Zak was awesome. He was very helpful, thorough, and patient. He was excellent at explaining what we were doing and the purpose behind everything. I am so glad that I was referred there!
Elizabeth Ricketts-Jones
Han and her team are next level. She is knowledgeable, motivated and gets results. My husband and I both were here patients up until the time we moved from the area and boy do we miss her workouts. They get results!!
Candance Sabella
