
Physical Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury in Harrogate, TN
A traumatic brain injury is a dysfunction of the brain that occurs due to a violent external force on the head. This external force may be due to a blow to the head from a fall, car accident, collision during sports activity, etc. Traumatic brain injury can affect people of all ages and gender. However, some people (such as children) are at higher risk of developing traumatic brain injury.
Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Since the brain is pivotal to every body function, traumatic brain injury may have severe consequences on physical and mental health. Therefore, traumatic brain injury may restrict mobility, limit physical function, and reduce an individual’s overall quality of life. Physical therapy can help to reverse the effects of traumatic brain injury and prevent further complications. At Pinnacle Performance Physical Therapy, we employ modern physical therapy techniques to treat traumatic brain injuries and promote physical and mental health.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
There are different classifications of traumatic brain injury based on the severity of the injury, period of loss of consciousness, alteration of mental state, post-traumatic amnesia, and some other factors. These classifications include mild TBI, moderate TBI, and severe TBI. Traumatic brain injuries can be further grouped into two categories - closed injuries and open injuries. Closed injuries are traumatic brain injuries that do not fracture the skull. Open injuries, on the other hand, are traumatic brain injuries that occur when the skull bone breaks, exposing the brain to the elements.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms and effects manifest physically, emotionally, and in cognition. Common symptoms of TBI include:
Physical Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury symptoms that manifest physically include:
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache that gets worse or will not go away
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Repeated vomiting or continued nausea
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
- An inability to wake up from sleep
- Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes
- Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
- Uncoordinated or “clumsy” movements
Emotional Symptoms of TBI
Emotional effects of traumatic brain injury include:
- Behavior or mood changes
- Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Stress
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Frustration
Cognitive Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury symptoms that manifest in cognition include:
- Confusion
- Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
- Reasoning and language problems
- Difficulty with decision-making
- Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
There are some potential complications attached to traumatic brain injury. If left untreated for a long time, TBI can have devastating long-term effects. Some of the most common complications that come with TBI include nerve damage, seizures, blood clots, stroke, blood vessel narrowing, coma, infection of the brain, etc.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
Physical therapy in Harrogate, TN, is a healthcare practice that helps people who have suffered from injury, illnesses, and other medical conditions restore, maintain, and promote the physical and mental abilities they may have lost due to their condition. Our facility in Harrogate, TN, is filled with specialists trained to rehabilitate people who have suffered from traumatic brain injury using several physical therapy techniques.
Traumatic brain injury affects brain function and may restrict mobility, limit physical function, and pose other physical challenges. However, physical therapy for traumatic brain injury in Harrogate, TN, can manage TBI and reverse its devastating effects, ensuring that the patient regains their functional abilities, mobility, and overall independence. It is important to seek early treatment for traumatic brain injuries to prevent severe complications that may lead to disabilities and even death.
Before receiving physical therapy treatments, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient is necessary to determine the severity of the patient’s condition and the treatment approach. This evaluation may entail a physical examination, symptoms and medical history review, and diagnostic imaging tests. The results of this overall evaluation help your physical therapist detect the body parts affected by TBI and determine where improvements are needed.
After a comprehensive evaluation, your physical therapist develops a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and treatment goals. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and undo the damage that traumatic brain injury may have caused. Therefore, your physical therapist may employ specific techniques to achieve these treatment goals. Common physical therapy techniques that you may experience during physical therapy for traumatic brain injuries include:
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Balance and gait Training
- Vestibular Training
- Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
- Flexibility exercises
- Range of motion exercises
- Cognitive training
- Pain management techniques
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Physical Therapy For TBI?
Physical therapy for TBI is one of the most effective traumatic brain injury treatments in Harrogate, TN. It is a healthcare practice that helps people suffering from mild, moderate, or severe TBI to manage their symptoms, regain their motor and cognitive skills, and improve their overall quality of life.
What is Physical Therapy for Brain Disorders?
Physical therapy for brain disorders is a healthcare specialty that offers several treatments and techniques to address various symptoms associated with neurological impairments.
Can Physical Therapy Help The Brain?
Yes, physical therapy can stimulate the brain to help it function better and regain control of its essential faculties.
Conclusion
Although traumatic brain injuries are fairly common, they pose severe physical and mental health risks. If left untreated, traumatic brain injuries can restrict your mobility, totally limit your functional abilities, reduce your overall quality of life, and even lead to death. Therefore, you need immediate treatment if you suffer a TBI. Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for traumatic brain injuries. We employ the best physical therapy techniques at Pinnacle Performance Physical Therapy to treat and manage traumatic brain injuries and their symptoms.