March 2022
The CDC estimates approximately 1.7 million people each year experience Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) with about 15% of these being sports-related injuries. TBIs have several classifications related to the type, placement, and severity of the injury. The majority of people who suffer TBIs often encounter either short or long term symptoms.
Did You Know?
Common Psychiatric Disorders following a TBI:
- Depression with the primary symptoms being lethargy and irritability
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Mania
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Personality changes are common after the experience of a traumatic brain injury. Apathy is one of the most commonly seen personality changes. Apathy is defined as a lack of interest in things that a person once found interesting. This can be confused for depression. Affective lability, or rapid mood changes, is another commonly seen personality change. This change is commonly seen with spiritic laughing or crying episodes. Finally, aggression is another commonly seen personality change following a TBI. The most common characteristics of aggression include impulsivity and anger.
Some neurochemical effects of a traumatic brain injury include increased levels of glutamate which causes a build up of lactate and an influx of calcium. As a result, the neurons begin to die off in attempt to restore the neurochemicals to homeostasis. This process happens because the flow of ions across the membrane has been dysregulated due to the degeneration of axons.
Get Connected!
The Brain Injury Association of Georgia holds a weekly online support group for those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury every Friday at 3:00pm. Click here for more information.
In person support groups in Georgia can be found here. Victims and families of all types of brain injury are invited. The page is broken down by county, click on your county for the closest support group to you!
Learn more about how counseling can be beneficial after experiencing a traumatic brain injury here.
Click here to learn more about how you can receive aid after a traumatic brain injury to work on leading a more independent life.
Click here for more information and resources regarding both traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Visit the Brain Injury Association of America to learn more about the current research and be connected to legal resources.
Find ways to get financial assistance with Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission.
Learn more about trauma and trauma care here.