Archive for the ‘TBI’ Category

Traumatic Brain Injury Medical Breakthrough May Help Survivors

Posted on June 24th, 2014 by

EffectiveTraumatic Brain Injury Medical Breakthrough treatments for traumatic brain injuries are still being studied, but currently, there is no widely available treatment that can reduce the damage or reverse the effects of a brain injury. At TryMunity, we follow ongoing scientific efforts at making the next traumatic brain injury medical breakthrough. Although further research is needed, the following two treatments show promise for someday helping survivors.

Treatment to Stabilize Severe Injuries

One study is testing the benefits of the human hormone progesterone in stabilizing patients and curbing the damage that occurs during a brain injury. According to materials from Emory University, preliminary research found the following outcomes when TBI survivors were given progesterone shortly after an injury:

  • Patient mortality was reduced by 50 percent.
  • Patients showed improved functional outcomes and decreased disability.
  • The treatment had no apparent adverse affects.

This research has progressed into a phase III clinical trial, which means the treatment may become commercially available if it successfully passes this phase. This traumatic brain injury medical breakthrough cannot help survivors who have been severely injured, unfortunately, but another treatment may do just that.

Rehabilitative Treatment for Milder Injuries

Research from the Institute of Neurological Recovery suggests that administration of the drug etanercept may reduce lingering neurological dysfunction after a brain injury. Patients who received this treatment showed improvements in motor control and cognition, but researchers note that the treatment is not for severe injuries. Patients received the drug more than 9 years after suffering the injury, on average, which suggests this treatment may help people who have long lived with TBIs.

Ongoing Research Efforts

Both of these treatments require further study. Whether or not the treatments are considered successful, survivors and researchers will continue to hope for the traumatic brain injury medical breakthrough that will yield a genuine cure.

If you would like to keep up with ongoing news about progress in understanding and treating TBIs, please consider joining the TryMunity community. Our community members enjoy access to various resources designed for people overcoming TBIs, along with the chance to connect with other survivors and supporters.

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Top Traumatic Brain Injuries Myths Uncovered

Posted on June 13th, 2014 by

Brain Injuries MythsTraumatic brain injuries affect more than 1 million people a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although these injuries occur frequently, many people, from victims to friends and family, do not fully understand them. At TryMunity, we often hear the following brain injuries myths and misconceptions.

Concussions Are Not Worth Worrying About

Many people believe that a mild TBI, or concussion, cannot have lingering effects. Similarly, many believe that if consciousness is not lost, a head injury is not serious. However, according to the CDC, mild blows or bumps can cause mild TBIs, as can sudden impacts that jar the body. These injuries are termed “mild” because they are not potentially lethal. However, they can still have effects on cognitive ability, emotions and sleep patterns.

MRIs and CT Scans Always Reveal TBIs

Another of the most pervasive brain injuries myths is that symptoms manifest quickly and simple tests can confirm the injury. Research has shown that some injuries may be detected by MRIs but missed by CT scans, and vice versa; both tests may miss some injuries entirely. However, this does not mean the injuries have no impact. Even mild TBIs can cause issues with attention, reasoning, memory, and moods.

You Will Be “Back to Normal” Soon

There is no known treatment that reverses the effects of TBI, and although victims may overcome some changes through rehabilitation, other effects of the injury may be permanent. These may include:

  • Emotional disorders or personality changes
  • Difficulty with various cognitive functions
  • Coordination and fine motor skills
  • Sensory perceptions and spatial sense

No two brain injuries are identical, and neither are the outcomes for victims.

Moving Past the Myths

Overcoming common brain injuries myths to understand and live with TBI can be challenging, which is why TryMunity is dedicated to providing helpful, accurate TBI information. If you or any loved ones are dealing with a TBI, please join our online community to find support and advice from other survivors.

Categories: TBI

The Characteristics of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

Posted on May 23rd, 2014 by

Characteristics of TBIIf you have recently suffered from a head injury, it is vital that you are able to recognize the characteristics of TBI (traumatic brain injury). While you might feel fine, there is a chance that you might be suffering from damage that you aren’t aware of. TryMunity is here to help educate you about traumatic brain injuries and the effects that they can have on the human body.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

There are different levels of traumatic head injuries. With mild TBI you can lose consciousness anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Even if you don’t lose consciousness, there’s still a chance that you might feel disoriented or confused. Other symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleeping more than normal
  • Problems with concentrating and your memory

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

The characteristics of a TBI (traumatic brain injury) that is moderate or severe can appear within the first few hours or the first few days after the head injury. There might be convulsions or seizures, a loss of coordination, an inability to wake up from sleep, and the draining of clear fluids from the ears as well as the nose. Those affected might also experience slurred speech, unusual behavior, and constant confusion.

Children

A child or infant might not be able to tell that something is wrong, which is why it is also important to be educated on infant and child symptoms for brain injuries. Such symptoms can include:

  • Depressed or sad mood
  • A shift in nursing or eating habits
  • No longer being interested in the same activities or toys
  • Altered sleeping patterns
  • Constant crying
  • Being unable to pay attention

Now that you are aware of the characteristics of TBI (traumatic brain injury), you have a better idea of when you should head to a doctor. Join the TryMunity community today for additional information on traumatic brain injury. What you learn just might save your life or someone else’s.

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms to Watch For

Posted on May 16th, 2014 by

Traumatic Brain Injury SymptomsA traumatic brain injury can have a wide range of physical and psychological effects. At TryMunity, we recommend watching out for these traumatic brain injury symptoms if you were recently injured in an accident where you suffered a severe bump or blow to the head.

Common Symptoms

It is important to keep in mind that traumatic brain injury symptoms vary by person and situation. However, some of the common symptoms of this type of injury include:

  • Loss of consciousness, either for a few seconds or several minutes at a time
  • Consistent headaches and issues with memory and concentration
  • Dizziness, trouble with balance, and regular nausea or vomiting
  • Sensory issues, like blurred vision, having a bad taste in the mouth, or consistent ringing in the ears
  • Fatigue, drowsiness, and unexpected mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep more than normal

These traumatic brain injury symptoms are just a few of the issues an accident victim may suffer from following an injury to the head. In many cases, these symptoms do not occur until several hours after the accident and may even not be noticeable until a few days have passed. However, some accident victims may find that they do not experience the symptoms of a brain injury or a concussion at all.

When to See a Doctor

After a head injury, immediate medical attention should be received and the accident victim should be closely monitored thereafter. In cases where the symptoms of a head injury do not manifest themselves for several days, medical care should be sought soon thereafter, especially when changes in normal behavior are present.

At TryMunity, we realize that dealing with the effects of a traumatic brain injury can be difficult. We encourage you to join our community today to receive the support you need to make progress towards living a better quality of life once again.

 

Categories: Advocacy, TBI

Five Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury Military Personnel Suffer

Posted on May 9th, 2014 by

Traumatic Brain Injury MilitaryThe type of traumatic brain injury military personnel can suffer often leads them to look for help and support. TryMunity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion, you may find yourself experiencing strange symptoms that can persist long after you have been released from medical care and returned to your normal life. Here are some issues that can accompany a traumatic brain injury military experienced by personnel after coming home.

 1. Changes in Behavior

After a brain injury, you may find yourself getting angry or combative for seemingly no reason. Even people who were calm and gentle before their injury sometimes experience rage and anger related to the brain injury.

 2. Sleep Disturbances

Brain injuries can also lead to disruption of your sleep cycle. You may have persistent insomnia or difficulty falling asleep. Conversely, you may fall asleep normally but then have trouble waking in the morning, even if you have slept well.

 3. Persistent Headaches

Headaches are a common side effect of traumatic brain injuries, and they can persist long after the actual injury to the brain has healed. Sometimes people do not connect their headaches with their injury because the headaches occur in a different part of the head.

 4. Vision Problems

Traumatic brain injuries can affect the eyes and the vision centers of the brain. Problems can be physical, such as pupils that have difficulty contracting or dilating. They can also be in the brain itself, in the form of visual hallucinations or black spots in the field of vision.

 5. Forgetfulness

A period of forgetfulness is common immediately following the type of traumatic brain injury military personnel typically suffer, but sometimes forgetfulness can persist for months or years. You may find that even simple information like the names of family and friends is sometimes difficult to recall.

For help and support while recovering from the type of traumatic brain injury military personnel suffer, join the TryMunity community today. You are always welcome here!

 

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Concussion Symptoms You Can Recognize

Posted on April 25th, 2014 by

Concussion SymptomsTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a condition that manifests with a wide range of symptoms. These injuries can lead to physical and psychological problems which can be mitigated by seeking prompt and appropriate treatment. If any of these concussion symptoms manifest after blow to the head, a fall or an auto accident make sure to seek medical treatment. Additional information can be found on the TryMunity website.

Symptoms of Mild Injury

These are among the most common concussion symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury. Though the injury is classified as mild, these symptoms should still be taken seriously if they occur in conjunction with an accident or soon after:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of balance
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Sleeping too much
  • Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or other sensory problems

Symptoms of Moderate and Severe Injury

More severe injuries will result in more marked concussion symptoms. Watch for any of the symptoms described above in addition to the following:

  • Loss of consciousness lasting several minutes or hours
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Loss of coordination
  • Marked confusion
  • Dilation of one or both pupils
  • Persistent or worsening headache
  • Numb or weak extremities, especially fingers and toes

Symptoms in Children and Older Adults

Falls are common causes of injuries in both young children and older adults. In fact, people 75 and older have the highest rate of hospitalization due to TBI of any age group.

Infants and young children also manifest the changed sleeping patterns described above and may cry persistently and change their eating habits. Older adults may manifest concussion symptoms such as confusion, loss of balance and dizziness but be unable to recall the injury occurring.

Information is Available

TryMunity exists to help families and individuals affected by brain injuries connect with the information and support they need. Learn more about our community by visiting our website.

 

Categories: Advocacy, TBI

Supervision Might Prevent a Baby Head Injury

Posted on April 16th, 2014 by

Baby Head InjuryAt TryMunity, we know that babies are incredibly precocious and have a very strong desire for exploration and autonomy. While it is important to allow these characteristics to mature within a child so that they remain thirsty for knowledge and adventure, it is also important to ensure that some preventative measures are taken. While it is not practical to cover your home in bubble wrap, there are a number of things that you can do to help your child avoid suffering from a baby head injury. Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, can happen to anyone at anytime, so while babies are often referred to as being incredibly durable for their size and stature, they still require watchful supervision.

Preventative Measures Are Helpful

Since falls make up 35 percent of all traumatic brain injuries, it is important to consider where your child may be able to fall from. Many children who sleep in a crib will sometimes try to climb out, and while they are able to pull their bodies over the top of the crib, they are not always able to easily climb down. In order to avoid a fall from a crib that results in a baby head injury, make sure that you use a crib that has enough depth to prevent your child from climbing out. If they still have enough ingenuity to make an escape, make sure to listen closely to a baby monitor to ensure that they are sleeping and not attempting to climb out. Any time your child is engaged in play activities, make sure that you are taking part or closely supervising. This way, there is still the opportunity for exploration and for climbing, but a reduced risk of a fall taking place.

Community Support Is Valuable After a Traumatic Brain Injury

At TryMunity, we offer information and support for the families of loved ones who may have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, including those with a baby head injury. If you are in need of information and support from those who are familiar with traumatic brain injuries, join our online community.

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Understanding Slight and Transient Brain Injury

Posted on April 10th, 2014 by

Slight and Transient Brain InjuryIf you are suffering from a brain injury, or know someone who is, you are probably aware of the struggles that go along with it. From memory loss to trouble focusing, the list of symptoms can be extensive. However, acquiring a slight and transient brain injury or a traumatic brain injury does not mean that you or those suffering from the injury must stop living life. At TryMunity, an online community full of support groups and health information, we believe that healing and life are very possible after brain injuries.

Understanding a Brain Injury

One of the most common impairments of the brain is a slight and transient brain injury, otherwise known as a concussion. Unfortunately concussions are occurring more frequently in athletes and industrial workers. Anyone suffering from a concussion should receive medical care immediately. Some of the most common symptoms of this type of brain injury include:

  • Headache or cranial pressure
  • Amnesia surrounding the trauma
  • Seeing stars and feeling dizzy
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dazed appearance
  • Great fatigue

If you ever notice anyone exhibiting these symptoms, it is imperative that they receive immediate medical care. Untreated concussions can lead to more serious health problems down the road as bleeding in the brain can be fatal.

Finding Hope and Support

Even though a slight and transient brain injury can be serious, at TryMunity we are dedicated to helping you or your loved ones through the healing process. We offer a great network of support and encouragement alongside medical advice and latest research for understanding brain injuries. If you or someone you know is ready to begin healing from an injury to the brain, please come join our community. You can share your story, read up on the best in health care for brain injuries, and receive encouragement from around the globe.

 

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Post Concussive Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms

Posted on March 13th, 2014 by

Post Concussive SyndromeUnfortunately, concussions are becoming rather commonplace, especially for those involved in contact sports. Since concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, the TryMunity community offers support and education on the topic. If you have recently suffered a concussion and are still experiencing symptoms even after an extended period of time, you may be dealing with post concussive syndrome.

Signs of PCS

Concussions can cause significant trauma, which is why they are considered to be a TBI. The damage to your brain can result in symptoms that last for a long time and in some cases never go away. Signs that you may be dealing with post concussive syndrome include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Noise Sensitivity
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

It can be extremely difficult to live with these physical and psychological issues, which is why getting support from a community is so essential. Some of the symptoms may last a lifetime, while others can be treated with medication.

Dealing With PCS

There is no cure for post concussive syndrome at this time, only treatment of the symptoms. It can be extremely frustrating to think that you may have to withstand years of pain and a life change as the result of one injury. Trying to deal with your diagnosis on your own can obviously be very difficult, but turning to the TryMunity community can help in a great many ways. Our community is full of like-minded individuals who want to both learn and educate people about PCS and other traumatic brain injuries. Visit community.trymunity.com today to join.

Categories: Survivor Social Network, TBI

Make Lowering The Incidence Of Brain Injuries A Priority

Posted on March 7th, 2014 by

Did you know high school female basketball players are six times more likely to suffer a concussion than males of the same age playing the same sport? Also, do you realize high school female soccer players are 40% more likely to suffer concussions than their soccer-playing male cohorts?

Concussions, one of the most prevalent brain injuries, is a problem reaching near-epidemic proportions nationwide, but they aren’t unique to sports or to children, a fact currently being highlighted across the country, owing to March being National Brain Injury Awareness Month.Students and traumatic brain injury

The number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) suffered by children and adults each year is a staggering 1.7 million, with another 795,000 individuals sustaining an acquired brain injury (ABI) from non-traumatic causes.

The message in all of this is we must make prevention a priority, especially when we consider that many of the leading causes of TBI are sports, as shown in the attached graphic.

Get involved by supporting an organization devoted to supporting brain injury sufferers in your area. We can all do our part to lower the incidence of brain injuries.

Infographic supplied by: Master of Science in Nursing program at the Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies.

 

Categories: TBI