Closed-Head or Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI) occurs when a sudden physical assault on the head causes
damage to the brain. The damage can be focal, confined to
one area of the brain, or diffuse, involving more than one
area of the brain. TBI can result from a closed head injury
or a penetrating head injury. A closed head injury occurs
when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, but the
object does not break through the skull. A penetrating head
injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters
the brain tissue. Several types of traumatic injuries can
affect the head and brain. A skull fracture occurs when the
bone of the skull cracks or breaks. A depressed skull fracture
occurs when pieces of the broken skull press into the tissue
of the brain. This can cause bruising of the brain tissue,
called a contusion. A contusion can also occur in response
to shaking of the brain within the confines of the skull,
an injury called "countrecoup."
Damage to a major blood vessel within the head can cause a
hematoma, or heavy bleeding into or around the brain. The
severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to the
extremes of coma or even death. A coma is a profound or deep
state of unconsciousness. Symptoms of a TBI may include headache,
nausea, confusion or other cognitive problems, a change in
personality, depression, irritability, learning and memory
problems, and other emotional and behavioral problems. Some
people may have seizures as a result of a TBI.
Immediate treatment for TBI involves surgery to control bleeding
in and around the brain, monitoring and controlling intracranial
pressure, insuring adequate blood flow to the brain, and treating
the body for other injuries and infection.
At the Neurotherapy Centers we specialize in helping patients
with mild to moderate brain injuries regain lost function. Our research has shown
that regardless of the time that has lapsed since the original
injury, EEG neurofeedback is very effective in returning mental
and physical functioning. Treatment of people following severe
injuries has produced a reduction in irritability and violent
behaviors.
Below we have attached a central nervous system questionnaire
(CNSQ). This is a survey that we have our patients complete
at the beginning of treatment, periodically during treatment,
and at the completion of treatment. Please review this information
to get an idea of the areas of your everyday life that we
can affect positively.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
After the CNSQ you will find three graphs that show the outcomes
of a recent study that was performed at the Neurotherapy Center
of Washington in conjunction with an NIH block grant. (The
complete results of this study were published in the June
2001 issue of the Journal for Head Trauma Rehabilitation.)
These graphs show total changes in the CNSQ (from beginning
of treatment to the completion of treatment); the same information
for the four study participants who developed fibromyalgia
as a result of their TBI; and the overall results for the
fibromyalgia patients.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW TO GRAPHED RESULTS
Please see the description of our treatment
modalities for more information.
