The most common cause of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe blow to the head or body. A bullet or a cracked piece of the skull can potentially cause traumatic brain injury if they penetrate brain tissue. For a brief period of time, brain cells may fail as a result of mild traumatic brain injury (Falvo & Holland, 2017). A more significant traumatic brain injury can result in bruises, torn tissues, bleeding, and other physical damage to the brain’s structure and functionality. These injuries have the potential to cause long-term problems or even death.
Clinical Picture
Symptoms of traumatic brain damage can include a variety of physical and psychological manifestations. Mr. XY, a Caucasian man 48 years old, went to the Caring Care hospital’s emergency room complaining of severe and diffuse headaches, stomach discomfort, nausea and regurgitation, an unsteady walk of more than 5 feet, poor hand coordination, and poor balance. He is confined to a wheelchair and is under the care of a full-time caregiver. Mr. XY is depressed and fearful of losing his hands.
Past History
The client stopped working in a rock band as a drummer a few weeks ago. Headaches in the occipital area have diffused in the last 3 months. Recently, Mr. XY experienced stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting. Since a month ago, he has been confined to a wheelchair. Two months ago, he had poor balance and coordination. He has also abused substances for the past five years.
Assessment
An MRI employs radio waves and magnets that are strong enough to provide an accurate picture of the brain. When a person’s health stabilizes or if their symptoms do not improve quickly after an accident, this test can be utilized. Near-wound damage was discovered in the occipital area, and an MRI of the patient’s head was ordered by the doctor after the examination was concluded. Mr. XY is enraged, and he suffers from spells of anxiety and sadness that are difficult to manage.
Diagnosis
The results of an MRI showed that the patient had hydrocephalus owing to a traumatic brain injury.
Treatment
Treatment for TBI depends on numerous aspects, including the injury’s magnitude, severity, and location. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is mostly treated with enough rest. Obey your doctor’s orders for full rest and a slow return to usual activities. It may take longer to recuperate if you do too much too quickly. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if you develop new ones. Stabilization is the initial step in treating moderate-to-severe TBI. They will control your blood pressure, monitor your skull pressure, and ensure your brain gets adequate blood and oxygen. Surgery to drain the cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a shunt through the occipital lobe into the abdomen.
Prognosis
Mr. XY has a very high chance of ever walking again. Mr. XY returns home a few days later with discharge advice. Mr. XY is improving but still lacks coordination and balance. He gets home PT, OT, and speech therapy while also visiting the rehabilitation center.
Recommendations
The patient will undergo CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) three times a week, substance abuse sessions, anger management, stress management, pain management, applying counselor skills, psychoeducation, and logical consequences.
One’s physical strength, coordination, and flexibility are improved by physical therapy. Occupational therapy can assist a patient to adjust or readjust how to perform routine tasks such as dressing, cooking, and taking a shower again. There are several benefits for those who have difficulty with swallowing that may be addressed via speech therapy (Falvo & Holland, 2017). It is possible to improve one’s emotional well-being and coping abilities through psychological treatment. It is the goal of vocational therapy to help people get back to work and deal with workplace issues. Using cognitive therapy, he can improve his ability to remember and focus, as well as his ability to study and plan.
Reference
Falvo, D., & Holland, B. E. (2017). Medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.