Forgiveness

What cognitive problems occur after TBI

What cognitive problems occur after TBI?
Cognitive difficulties are very common in people with TBI. Cognition (thinking skills) includes an awareness of one's surroundings, attention to tasks, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and executive functioning (e.g., goal setting, planning, initiating, self-awareness, self-monitoring and evaluation). Problems vary depending on the location and severity of the injury to the brain and may include the following:

• Trouble concentrating when there are distractions (e.g., carrying on a conversation in a noisy restaurant or working on a few tasks at once).
• Slower processing or "taking in" of new information. Longer messages may have to be "chunked," or broken down into smaller pieces. The person may have to repeat/rehearse messages to make sure he or she has processed the crucial information. Communication partners may have to slow down their rate of speech.
• Problems with recent memory. New learning can be difficult. Long-term memory for events and things that occurred before the injury, however, is generally unaffected (e.g., the person will remember names of friends and family).
• Executive functioning problems. The person may have trouble starting tasks and setting goals to complete them. Planning and organizing a task is an effort, and it is difficult to self-evaluate work. Individuals often seem disorganized and need the assistance of families and friends. They also may have difficulty solving problems, and they may react impulsively (without thinking first) to situations.

cognitive-aphasia

One of my troubles is SPEECHING... I have been told  that I have
APHASIA...trouble on left temporal side of my brain
When we want to speak, we formulate what we are going to say in Wernicke’s area which then transmits our plan of speech to Broca’s area where the plan of speech is carried out. Wernicke’s Area is located posterior to the lateral sulcus, typically in the left hemisphere, between the visual, auditory, and somesthetic areas of the cerebral cortex.
I know "what I want to say, I just cannot get it out." and or do NOT realize or know that what I said is NOT what I wanted to say and was thinking!!!!!

I think I am saying several sentences (maybe 20 words) but only say the first and last words so what I said is NOT what I meant or thought I said......

what color is my truck? what is my favorite color? I have been taught that I actually say black or brown or beautiful but I thought BLUE and had no clue I did not say blue...I was taught this  and other examples by several speech pathologists, nurses and doctors and yes friends and my son...

They are typically able to understand what is being said to them, but unable to fluently speak. This is also known as non-fluent aphasia. Other symptoms that may be present include problems with fluency, articulation, word-finding, word repetition, and producing and comprehending complex grammatical sentences, both orally and in writing.


A person with this aphasia speaks normally, but uses random or invented words, leaves out key words, substitutes words or verb tenses, pronouns or prepositions, and their sentences don’t make sense. They can also have a tendency to talk excessively. A person with this aphasia cannot understand the spoken words of others or read written words. Speech is preserved, but language content is incorrect. Substitutions of one word for another (paraphasias, e.g. “telephone” for “television”) are common. Comprehension and repetition are poor

The symptoms of Wernicke’s Aphasia reveal how important language is because people with the aphasia cannot express their thoughts. Some patients with the disorder do find a way to overcome this road block, and use facial expression and motor gestures to communicate instead. While individuals with Broca’s aphasia tend to have a good ability to self-monitor their language output (they "hear what they say" and make corrections), other types of aphasics can seem entirely oblivious to their language deficits.

brian lobe and functions

Lobe Functions- i have marked where and what my injures are, yes two, frontal left and temporal left lobes....

The frontal lobes are the largest of the four lobes and deal with reasoning, planning, self-control, some speech and emotion functions, and problem solving. The frontal lobes also play an important part in memory, intelligence, concentration, and are responsible for executive functions.

There are many executive functions of the brain such as the ability to plan, set goals, and organize. These functions include being able to determine right from wrong and being able to monitor and change behavior as needed. Executive functions also allow people to adapt to new situations and to override or control reactions when appropriate. The abilities to form concepts, socialize, and think abstractly are often considered part of executive function.

The parietal lobes are involved with movement, and also help people to understand signals received from other areas of the brain such as vision, hearing, sensory and memory. A person’s memory and the sensory information received give meaning to objects and “pull it all together.”

The occipital lobes are found at the back of the brain. These lobes receive signals from the eyes, process those signals, allow people to understand what they are seeing, and influence how people process colors and shapes.

Temporal lobes are located at about ear level, and are the main memory center of the brain, contributing to both long-term and short-term memories. The temporal lobe is also involved with understanding what is heard, and with the ability to speak. An area on the right side is involved in visual memory and helps people recognize objects and faces. An area on the left side is involved in verbal memory and helps people remember and understand language. The back area of the temporal lobes helps people interpret the emotions and reactions of others.

What are the Potential Long-Term Outcomes of TBI?

Potential Affects of Severe TBI
Approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with a TBI-related disability and the consequences of severe TBI can affect all aspects of an individual’s life.

This can include relationships with family and friends, as well as their ability to work or be employed, do household tasks, drive, and/or participate in other activities of daily living.

A non-fatal severe TBI may result in an extended period of unconsciousness (coma) or amnesia after the injury. For individuals hospitalized after a TBI, almost half (43%) have a related disability one year after the injury.
A TBI may lead to a wide range of short- or long-term issues affecting:

• Cognitive Function (e.g., attention and  memory)
• Motor function (e.g., extremity weakness, impaired coordination and balance)
• Sensation (e.g., hearing, vision, impaired perception and touch)
• Emotion (e.g., depression, anxiety, aggression, impulse control, personality changes)

FACTS ABOUT CONCESSIONS AND BRAIN INJURY

from: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/Fact_Sheet_ConcussTBI-a.pdf


Facts about Concussion and Brain Injury

About Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.

Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Categories                             Levels/Stages                 YES = the things I am dealing with.
1.Thinking /Remembering  -  Difficulty thinking clearly  (Yes dealing with this)
                                                Feeling slowed down           (Yes I am dealing with this)
                                                Difficulty concentrating      (Oh YES I am dealing with this)
                                                Difficulty remembering new information        (Yep this I am )

2.Physical  -                           Headache   (YES)                                 
                                               Nausea or vomiting (early on )  (YES NAUSEA)           
                                               Sensitivity to noise or light  (YES)      
                                               Feeling tired, having no energy (YES)
                                               Fuzzy or blurry vision
                                               Dizziness  (YES)
                                               Balance problems (YES)

3.Emotional/Mood -              Irritability (YES)
                                               Sadness      (YES- COMES AND GOES)
                                               More emotional   (YES)
                                               Nervousness or anxiety (YES YES YES)

4.Sleep -                                 Sleeping more than usual (YES)
                                               Sleep less than usual
                                               Trouble falling asleep

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Getting Better
Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Be patient because healing takes time. Only when your symptoms have reduced significantly, in consultation with your doctor, should you slowly and gradually return to your daily activities, such as work or school. If your symptoms come back or you get new symptoms as you become more active, this is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. Stop these activities and take more time to rest and recover. As the days go by, you can expect to gradually feel better.

Tips to help you get better:
•Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
•Avoid activities that are physically demanding (e.g., sports, heavy housecleaning, working-out) or require a lot of concentration (e.g., sustained computer use, video games).
•Ask your doctor when you can safely drive a car, ride a bike, or operate heavy equipment.
•Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol and other drugs may slow your recovery and put you at risk of further injury.

There are many people who can help you and your family as you recover from a concussion. You do not have to do it alone. Keep talking with your doctor, family members, and loved ones about how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally. If you do not think you are getting better, tell your doctor.

What are the Potential Long-Term Outcomes of TBI?

TBI can cause a wide range of functional short- or long-term changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions.

• Thinking (i.e., memory and reasoning);
• Sensation (i.e., touch, taste, and smell);
• Language (i.e., communication, expression, and understanding); and
• Emotion (i.e., depression, anxiety, personality changes, aggression, acting out, and social inappropriateness).

these effects can be serious.

Signs and Symptoms
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion. Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories:
Most people with TBI are effected for life...survived but different.. and recovery is very long slow hard tough rough but good steps, confusing for everyone too