1. SOCIAL IMPACT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Keyeonna Gray, RSA Scholar, Langston University Tiffany Hines, RSA Scholar, Langston University Cary Pittman, RSA Scholar, Langston University Kimella Glover, RSA Scholar, Langston University

2. WHAT IS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY? Brain injury is described as acute and chronic injury to the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brain stem. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results when external forces (such as hitting one’s head in a car accident) cause trauma to the brain. Clinical manifestations depends on the nature of the injury. TBI is a national healthcare problem, affecting approximately 1.7 million Americans per year.

3. TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Closed Head Injury – the skull is not penetrated. The brain hits against the skull in an initial impact called “coup.” The brain then rebounds and hits the opposite side which is know as “contre coup.” Open Head Injury –brain matter has been penetrated, such as by stabbing or gunshot wound. Atraumatic Brain Injury – arterial venous malformations, and infections in the brain both of which can result in cerebralvascular accident.

4. SOCIAL IMPACTS Changes in the ability to think Being able to control emotions The ability to walk Speech impairments Depression Anxiety

5. SYMPTOMOLOGY Loss of consciousness Vision changes Headaches, vision loss or Dizziness Respiratory failure (not breathing) Coma or semi comatose state Paralysis, difficulty moving body parts, weakness, poor coordination Anoxia (Brain is COMPLETELY deprived of oxygen ) Hypoxia (Brain has been PARTIALLY deprived of oxygen)

6. SYMPTOMOLOGY Slow pulse Slow breathing rate, with an increase in blood pressure Vomiting Lethargy (sluggish, sleepy, gets tired easily) Ringing in the ears, or changes in ability to hear Body numbness or tingling Loss of bowel control or bladder control Brain Infections Meningitis (Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)

7. DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED Magnetic Resonance Imaging which are also known as (MRI), is used a magnetic field to scan the brain. MRIs are not normally done in the acute care phase of a brain injury. More sensitive than CT scans but take longer, have more restrictions and cost more. Computed Tomography test, called (CT) scans take less time to complete and have fewer potential complications.

8. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE TBI is hard to understand and it is difficult to accept. The hardest thing to deal with is trying to figure out where you fit in and how society is going to label you once your disability is revealed. When interacting with someone with TBI, patience is necessary. There may be times when repetition is necessary. A person with TBI should be treated the same as any other individual you interact with. Get to know that individual not their disability.

9. REFERENCES Brain Injury Association of America (2014) Retrieved from http:// www.biausa.org/brain-injury-diagnosis.htmwww.biausa.org/brain-injury-diagnosis.htm Brodwin, M. G., Sui, F. W., Howard, J., & Brodwin, E.R. (2009). Medical, Psychological and Vocational Aspects of Disability (3 rd ed.). Athens, Georgia: Elliott & Fitzpatrick, Inc. Nichols, J. L., Kosculek, J. (2014). Social Interactions of Individuals withTraumatic Brain Injury. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 80 (2) 21-29. Tsaousides, T., Asham, & T., Seter, C. (2008). The Psychological Effects of Employment After Traumatic Brain Injury: Objective and Subjective Indicators. Rehabilitation Psychology, 53, 456-563. doi: 10.1037/a0012579 Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Fact Sheet. (2014, June 2). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html. http://www.cdc.gov/