Types of Brain Injury All brain injuries are unique. The brain can receive several different types of injuries depending on the type of force and amount of force that impacts the head. The type of injury the brain receives may affect just one functional area of the brain, various areas, or all areas of the brain. Traumatic Brain Injury Acquired Brain InjuryLevels of Brain Injury Even a concussion can cause substantial difficulties or impairments that can last a lifetime. Whiplash can result in the same difficulties as head injury. Such impairments can be helped by rehabilitation, however many individuals are released from treatment without referrals to brain injury rehabilitation, or guidance of any sort. Penetrating injury to the brain occurs from the impact of a bullet, knife or other sharp object that forces hair, skin, bones and fragments from the object into the brain. Acquired Brain Injury, (ABI), results from damage to the brain caused by strokes, tumors, anoxia, hypoxia, toxins, degenerative diseases, near drowning and/or other conditions not necessarily caused by an external force. Anoxic Brain Injury occurs when the brain does not receive any oxygen. Cells in the brain need oxygen to survive and function. Types of Anoxic … Continue reading →

Is it possible that CBD, a compound found in the cannabis plant, could protect us against the long-term effects of brain injury? Scientists seem to think so, as they research how CBDs neuroprotective and antioxidative effects might reduce the brain damage caused by strokes, traumatic brain injury and even oxygen deprivation during birth. So is CBD for brain injury a treatment option of the future? Lets take a look. CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol, is never out of the news these days thanks to its effects as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotectant. But for the United States Government, CBD for brain injury has been on their radar for a while. Back in 2001 they filed the now infamous U.S. Patent 6630507 entitled Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants, singling out compounds like CBD for their neuroprotectant potential in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma. The US Federal Government - which, by the way, to this day still classifies the cannabis plant as having no therapeutic use - wouldnt take out a patent-based on hearsay and hot air. They have consulted an ever-growing body of evidence, suggesting CBD and other cannabinoids could play a significant role in … Continue reading →

As recovery progresses following brain injury, it is likely the individual will see a change in the level of care and in the treatment setting. Since individuals do not always progress in a linear fashion, they will not always advance through the continuum of care in strict order. Treatment in a hospital following a brain injury can range from a quick neurological assessment to longer-term, inpatient care. The length of one's stay in the hospital will vary depending on the severity and implications from the brain injury. It is likely one will first visit the Emergency Department, or Emergency Room (ER), following a brain injury. Oftentimes the decisions in the ER must be made quickly and without explanation. The treatment team focuses on saving lives. Measures to protect the brain from further injury or damage will be taken. After receiving emergency medical treatment, persons with a moderate to severe brain injury may be admitted to a hospitals Inpatient Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The goal in ICU is typically medical stability, management, and prevention of medical crisis. Those receiving treatment in the ICU for their brain injury may be unconscious, in a coma, and/or medically unstable. Many tubes, wires, and pieces … Continue reading →

Overview Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that penetrates brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death. Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later. The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns … Continue reading →

Brain damage or brain injury (BI) is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells. Brain injuries occur due to a wide range of internal and external factors. In general, brain damage refers to significant, undiscriminating trauma-induced damage, while neurotoxicity typically refers to selective, chemically induced neuron damage. A common category with the greatest number of injuries is traumatic brain injury (TBI) following physical trauma or head injury from an outside source, and the term acquired brain injury (ABI) is used in appropriate circles to differentiate brain injuries occurring after birth from injury, from a genetic disorder, or from a congenital disorder.[1] Primary and secondary brain injuries identify the processes involved, while focal and diffuse brain injury describe the severity and localization. Due to more recent Medical, Rehabilitation and ongoing results 'neuroplasticity' within the mechanics of our brains lead to re-arrangement of the brain's workings. These often result in the 'synapses' arranging alternate routes, to achieve previous habits. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes … Continue reading →

TBI Treatment Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury Conditions that harm the brain have a wide reach. Whether from a stroke (vascular accident) or a traumatic brain injury, the results impair the whole family. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a cure . . . . but it can often help. Following is a MUST SEE video from theMontel Williams Show. Even though science now knows better, the old-school idea still often remains: that once an area of the brain has been damaged by a stroke, TBI (traumatic brain injury), or near drowning, that nothing or very little can be done to restore the function of that area. Recent scientific research has demonstrated that while the core-area of the damaged brain tissue may be irreversibly damaged, there is an area surrounding this tissue that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can restore and these neurons (brain/nerve cells) can re-establish their function. The majority of tia, stroke and brain injuries are caused by blood vessel obstructions, such as a blood clot, that cuts off blood flow and oxygen to parts of the brain. This results in the death of nerve cells within a very short time. These dying brain cells begin to swell due … Continue reading →

Shepherd Center's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program offers a full continuum of services to treat people who have experienced a traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury, including a stroke. Our programs are designed to treat specific conditions, such as disorders of consciousness and specific age groups, such as our adolescent program. Additionally, Shepherd Center has a 10-bed ICU, allowing our specialists to treat patients with complex brain injuries and address secondary complications resulting from the injury. Make a Referral to Shepherd Center A brain injury is often associated with a blow to the head, which is called a traumatic brain injury. However, a lack of oxygen to the brain can also result in a brain injury. Learn more about brain injury: U.S. News & World Report ranks Shepherd Center among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Learn about our brain injury program and our outcomes: Shepherd Center provides a variety of programs that are tailored to individual needs for the best possible recovery. Learn about our brain injury programs: Visit link: Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Shepherd Center | Brain Trauma ... … Continue reading →

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor (neurotrophin, NTFS) family, which can prevent the death of nerve cells and has many features of typical neurotransmitter molecules. NGF plays an important role in the development and growth of nerve cells. NGF is synthesized and secreted by tissues (corneal epithelial, endothelial, and corneal stromal cells), and it can be up-taken by sympathetic or sensory nerve endings and then transported to be stored in neuronal cell bodies where it can promote the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. NGF can exert neurotrophic effects on injured nerves and promote neurogenesis (the process of generating neurons from stem cells) that is closely related to the development and functional maintenance and repair of the central nervous system. It is also capable of promoting the regeneration of injured neurons in the peripheral nervous system, improving the pathology of neurons and protecting the nerves against hypoxia (lack of oxygen)/ischemia (lack of blood supply). Go here to see the original: Stem Cell Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury - Stem Cell ... … Continue reading →

Pate Rehabilitation provides the same specialized care and support in Spanish as we do in English. Spanish-speaking therapists and caregivers work with each patient and family to develop personalized brain injury programs and tailored plans for better results. This includes therapies conducted in Spanish-speaking environments, enabling patients to practice these skills in their own cultural communities. Our research includes ongoing clinical studies that focus on improving rehabilitation results specifically for diverse groups including Spanish speakers. Read More Physical therapy helps patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function through therapeutic exercise and functional training, and the use of assistive and adaptive devices and equipment. Physical therapy covers many skills and includes: Our occupational therapists (OTs) help patients regain everyday skills, including: From hand dexterity to fine motor skills, OTs work to re-integrate patients into their home, work and school environments. They also focus on evaluating these environments and then recommending adaptations to the environment to fit the persons lifestyle, whether its assistive technologies or task changes. They provide guidance and education for family members, employers and caregivers to assist in the healing process. Our speech/language pathologists help patients regain the ability to: Therapeutic exercises target speech muscle strengthening, language-focused training … Continue reading →