Traumatic brain injuries are more common than you might expect. These injuries range from mild to life-threatening, and even the most mild TBIs need to be addressed and properly treated. In this article, we are going to talk about traumatic brain injuries – the various types and causes, as well as how physical therapy can be helpful in the course of treatment.
Types & Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries come in many forms. Here are a few of the most common:
- Concussion
- Diffuse Axonal Injury
- Brain Contusion
- Penetrating Brain Injury
- Hypoxic Brain Injury
- Locked In Syndrome
These injuries can result from a variety of accidents and activities, including car accidents, sports and exercise, slip & fall incidents, and more. If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury, you may experience one or several of the following symptoms:
- Balance issues or dizziness
- Weakness in the extremities
- Memory loss
- Loss of sensation
- Significant mood changes
If you hit your head hard during the course of any activity you should always visit a physician to make sure you haven’t sustained a brain injury. Many TBIs remain symptom-less until later, which can cause serious issues down the line.
Physical Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Treating traumatic brain injuries depends heavily on the specific injury sustained. Serious contusions or penetrating injuries may require immediate surgical intervention, while concussions can typically be treated with more conservative means. Physical therapy is often used to help TBI patients who experience physical and sensory symptoms. A physical therapy routine can help improve balance, coordination, and overall functionality after a traumatic brain injury.
At OrthoRehab Specialists we provide rehabilitation care to patients throughout the state of Minnesota. Our physical therapists have over twenty-five years of experience treating Minnesota patients. We also offer direct access to physical therapy so you can make an appointment even if you don’t have a prescription from your doctor. Contact us today at our Minneapolis or Edina physical therapy clinics to set up your appointment.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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