Jul

21

Traumatic Brain Injuries and PTSD

Filed Under TBI & PTSD 

brain1It weighs barely three pounds, but it impacts everything that we do and much of who and what we are in life. The brain is a remarkable and sensitive body organ.

 This small, jelly-like form is made up of billions of neurons and their electrical/chemical connections that impact our emotions, our ability to remember new things, movement, and our interpretations of information from all the body senses (sight, sound, touch, taste…).  When our brain is functioning well, we are able to do amazing things. Think about carrying out even the smallest tasks such as breathing, eating, watching a movie, or simply listening to music. The brain filters out unnecessary stimulus, thereby permitting us to transmit these basic, unconscious acts without much, if any effort. However, if we experience trauma to the brain, the entire system can be impacted in ways even the most knowledgeable neuroscientist doesn’t fully understand.

Now the simple tasks become much more complicated. The brain may not be able to filter out some things that allow us to focus on what is heard or seen. Or it may no longer be capable at breathing easily, or seeing accurately due to problems with concentration. 

The notable piece of information to be aware of is the injury can be so cleverly disguised inside the brain that it can be difficult to diagnosis. A person does not have to pass out or get a knock on the noggin to acquire a brain injury. A huge blast, like those from an IED (improvised, explosive device), an unexpected fall, or rear-end car accident can jiggle the brain back and forth inside the skull causing internal bleeding and swelling. If and when this occurs, the normal functioning organ is no longer capable of doing what it once did so effortlessly. There is no such thing as a “perfect” brain.  However, there is such a thing as a brain which has been damage.

Now, here’s the kicker in all of these particulars regarding the brain – the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain injuries are very similar making identification of either problem tricky. Many individuals who have been involved in combat situations may have both PTSD and TBI to contend with as they cross the threshold to civilian life.

Therefore, it is critical that people who have either/both problems get medical services as soon as possible. The sooner the situation is attended to the better the results. Waiting only compounds the problem(s). If you suspect you have a problem, see a medical specialist and ask for a SPECT or an fMRI scan.  SPECT scans must use machines that are at least a three – preferably four – angle apparatus. These give clearer pictures of the brain and what is happening when a person is doing particular tasks such as reading, thinking, or doing some specific task. CAT scans and regular MRIs don’t always pick up a slow bleed in the brain which is why SPECTS or fMRIs are needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Next blog, we will give some of the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of TBIs and PTSD.

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