A TBI, which is short for a traumatic brain injury, is something that should always be taken seriously. Whether or not consciousness was lost should not be a deciding factor in seeking help from a care provider. Whether you hit your head from a fall or took a blow to the head while playing sports, the injury could have caused significant damage without you realizing it. In fact, this damage could continue getting worse with time, which is why finding help is so important no matter how long it has been.
Are you concerned that a TBI could be playing a role in your health today? When the brain is shaken back and forth inside the skull it can become bruised and damaged in many different areas. This disturbance can interrupt the function of the cells and cause functionality issues physically, cognitively and with behavior.
Physical Effects
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– Blurred Eyesight
– Speech Difficulty
– Headaches (mild and severe)
– Sensory Changes (taste, smell, sight)
Behavior Effects
– Quick to Anger
– Easily Frustrated
– Acting Different
Cognitive Effects
– Forgetful
– Can’t Concentrate
– Trouble Paying Attention
– Constantly Repeating Yourself
Temporary Effects
There are many temporary effects that you may experience after a head injury. Some of the most common include:
– Not Feeling Like Yourself
– Sleeping More
– Feeling Irritated
– Feeling Sad or Depressed
– Trouble Focusing
– Constant Dizziness
– Headaches
These should dissipate over the course of a week, but if they do not, then it’s incredibly important to get help right away.
Long- Lasting Effects
It’s incredibly important to know that the effects of a TBI can continue for many years after the initial injury occurred. This is why many people think they feel fine at first, but gradually end up with symptoms they can’t explain. For example, someone might think they feel okay a few days after a TBI, but then start having memory problems and many other issues for years to come.
Meeting with a Care Provider
If you have even the slightest concern that you’re being affected by this injury, then meeting with a qualified care provider like a functional neurologist is essential. During your very first appointment they will begin your care by evaluating your injury. This will involve comprehensive exams and the use of the best technology to ensure they are getting a full picture of what’s going on with your brain to body connection. Once they pinpoint the exact areas that have been damaged, they will create a brain-based therapy plan for you individually.
The goal of functional neurologyis to heal the damage that occurred to the brain and re-build connections, which is a long-term and drug-free process. This is why it’s important to be committed to your therapy plan and make it a priority. Fortunately if you do this, you will be giving your brain the best chance of recovering. This may mean regaining functionality, feeling better and having a more positive outlook on the future.