Traumatic Head Injury - They Woke Up A Different Person

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as an intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain, such as an accident or sports injury. TBI can be classified based on severity. It is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on a person and their family can be devastating. TBI can cause a host of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral effects, and outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.

The NFL and TBI

Former Arizona Cardinals Sean Morey retired from the team in 2010, but not after suffering brain injury from the multiple concussions he’s had during his years in the NFL. As of recent, many NFL players have come to the forefront to help establish new reforms on TBI and professional sports. In light of this injury, many academic sports are also joining suit to help prevent TBI.

According to publication from Reuters, “About one in four National Football League players are likely to end up suffering dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or other cognitive impairments during their lifetime, according to a report filed in court by the league’s lawyers. The NFL submitted the summary of the findings of an actuarial study it had commissioned in the U.S. District Court.”

In an interview with National Public Radio is January, Morey, who also won a Super Bowl championship with the Pittsburgh Steelers, said he has migraine headaches, battles depression, has trouble focusing and sleeping. His wife, Cara Morey, said she and her children are targets of her husband’s explosive bouts of rage. Cara Morey said her husband, Sean, has turned into someone that she does not recognize.

In the past year, Sean Morey and other former pro football players have put a face on the problem of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which resulted from their many years of getting hit on the head and tackled to the ground. At the same time, private citizens are experiencing the same issues and dying from TBI-related problems.

TBI symptoms

An auto accident, a fall, a sharp hit or hard bump on the head can cause damage to the brain. In 2010, 2.5 million TBIs stemmed from an isolated injury or were included in other injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. At least half of all TBIs result from serious vehicle crashes.

Children also experience traumatic brain injury. According to a report by the National Association of School Psychologists, 30,000 children sustain brain injuries each year, with an average of 2,685 dying from the injuries each year.

The most common symptoms of TBI are:

1. Migraine headaches

2. Short-term and long-term memory loss

3. Seizures

4. Anxiety

5. Confusion and disorientation

6. Nausea or vomiting

7. Unconsciousness or coma

To determine the seriousness of the brain injury, doctors perform neurological and imaging tests. Severe TBIs require immediate emergency treatment.

Personality Disorders and TBI

Individuals with TBI live each day in physical pain but they may not realize how much their injury can change their personality. People with TBI are prone to emotional outbursts, extreme rage, physical violence, depression, forgetfulness, mood swings, confusion, and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Spouses, children and close friends usually bear the brunt of their loved one’s dysfunction.

Ways To Cope with TBI

If your loved one suffered a TBI, your family can manage the stress by taking steps that include:

1. Seeking help from a licensed specialist in psychiatric disorders and scheduling regular appointments with a primary care physician.

2. Encouraging your loved one to talk about his or her feelings and what the family can do to help.

3. Discouraging your loved one from using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

4. Asking your loved one to perform household duties or anything else he or she is capable of doing.

5. Avoiding isolation by including your loved one in family activities or family traditions that were carried out prior to the accident.

The severity of TBI can range from mild to severe. Depending on its severity, TBI can become overwhelming. If TBI was caused by an auto accident or medical malpractice, your loved one may be entitled to compensation for pain or suffering and medical expenses. However, with help from medical professionals and support from family, the outlook can be promising.

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