Brain Injuries and You
The mind is an delicate and complicated piece of art. With it, we can make art, figure out problems, and power the remarkable machine that is the human body: a self-healing, regenerating computer. However, there is always deep concern that it may break due to injury, thus affecting how the body moves and acts. In order to understand how brain injuries can change our body, we need understand how the brain that control movement. We will look at two parts of the brain in particular.
Anatomy
The Cerebellum: In the base of the brain. Also known as “Little Brain,” it contains about 50% of the neurons in the brain. It is the most significant contributor to motor function in the human body. Synapses are formed within the cerebellum that travel through the motor cortex and into the spinal column. The designated functions of the cerebellum are entirely motion oriented, and it operates at an unconscious level. The cerebellum also controls and maintains equilibrium and balance, influences posture, influences muscle tone, and helps to coordinate movement. It consists of a highly complex layer of cortex beneath a layer of white matter. It also plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitter circuits for norepinephrin and serotonin.
The Basal Ganglia: Located in the left side of the skull. These structures have a vital impact on movement, as they affect and control balance, posture, and fine motor skills. Damage to the basal ganglia can occur in the development of various conditions that can have an intense physical impact.
Kinds of Injuries
Here are some common causes of brain injuries:
- CTE and other sports injuries.
- Exposure to toxic pollutants.
- Lack of oxygen.
- Physical damage from violence, motor vehicle collisions, etc.
- Shaken baby syndrome.
- Strokes and other forms of internal bleeding.
How Brain Injuries Can Affect the Body
More than 200 years ago, scientists studied the cerebellum by comparing differences in behavior after sustaining cerebellar damage. They found that cerebellar damage would often cause people to experience difficulties with walking, maintaining balance, and fine motor control. Cerebellar damage also causes them to experience difficulty with understanding of spatial awareness and time. Damage to the cerebellum can have devastating effects that could lead to paralysis or other quality of life issues.
While damage to the cerebellum can lead to paralysis, damage to the basal ganglia can result in various physical ailments characterized by spontaneous movement. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Dystonia: Causes the muscles to involuntarily contract and twist.
- Chorea: Irregular involuntary movements, unexpected muscle contractions, rhythmic jerking, and abrupt involuntary movements.
- Athetosis: Involuntary, slow, writhing movements. Intense pain and increased symptoms with controlled movement or attempts to improve posture. People suffering from atheosis also experience difficulty speaking and are unable to stand.
Recovery
The brain is capable of incredible miracles. Through rehabilitation aided by neuroplasticity, the brain’s incredible ability to heal itself, there is a way forward.
There are 5 popular forms of rehabilitation for brain injuries:
- Acute Rehabilitation: Occurs immediately after a brain injury. Usually takes place in a specific unit of a trauma hospital or other inpatient settings. Focused towards regaining the ability perform the activities of daily living.
- Post-Acute Rehabilitation: Occurs in transitional rehab facilities. It is aimed at helping the patient regain their independence. Sessions usually last up to 6 hours.
- Sub-Acute Rehabilitation: Intended for patients that need less intensive care or are further along in their rehabilitation.
- Day treatment: Structured, sometimes group setting physical rehab. This form of treatment takes place between inpatient and outpatient rehab, and patients are able to return to their homes at night.
- Outpatient therapy: This form of care usually follows all other previously listed forms. It’s usually reserved for patients who have made remarkable progress or whose injuries weren’t super intense to begin with. This kind of treatment also includes performing exercises at home.
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