Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI is a reality that many of us experience, and yet still remains difficult to report in part due to differences in opinion as to what constitutes a TBI in regard to severity. There is also a reality that many brain injury events are not reported and therefore cannot be treated or counted. The National Institute of mental health stated the following,
“…many incidents of mild-moderate traumatic brain injuries in our everyday life do not even present to the emergency room or other healthcare settings, especially when they are associated with sports-related or recreation-related settings.”
As the sports of boxing and football have become more aware of the small brain injuries that do not appear to be an injury, but do have a cumulative effect. Recognizing and treating even a mild TBI is important for long term healthy cognitive, emotional, and relational health.
If we compare a mild TBI with a mild cut or scratch we will find some important comparisons. Sometimes when we get a mild cut or scratch we ignore it and it scabs up and heals. If you talk to a health care professional, they recommend that the wound be cleaned and protected every time. Even a minor break to the skin has the potential to become a serious and life threatening infection. I suggest that we treat brain injuries the same way. It is much more safe to get a concussion or head bump treated and/or evaluated.
Here are some things to look for:
Headache
Unexpected sleepiness
Sensitivity to light
Confusion
Lack of ability to focus
Difficulty remembering
This is not an exhaustive list. When in doubt, check it out. This is one of those situations that if you ask the question, get evaluated.
The medical community continues to do research and explore effective treatment approaches. The mental health field is doing the same.
The brain is an amazingly resilient organ and does heal and re-learn. It may just need some guidance and support to be effective.
By: Eric Hansen, Lead Therapist
LSCSW, LMAC, CADC
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