Head & Spinal Cord Injuries
Brain & Spinal Cord Injury at Home Care in Greenville

Brain & Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a family member sustains an acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord damage, adjusting to a new way of life may take some time. The extent to which your life will be altered will likely be determined by the severity of your injury or sickness.

 

A person with acquired brain injury (ABI) may feel increased mental and physical weariness and changes in the physical and cognitive processes, behavior, personality, and sensory functions. A serious spinal cord injury might result in inparaplegia or quadriplegia.

 

You may need to adjust to being confined to a wheelchair or losing control of certain motor functions. If you are recuperating from a concussion, you may have to cooperate with a physiotherapist and a speech therapist to "relearn" lost skills. In general, the severity of the sickness or damage correlates with the symptoms and function loss.

 

Managing the changes

Brain or spinal cord damage can have far-reaching implications. Dealing with either loss of function or enduring extensive rehabilitation can be challenging. It is acceptable to feel anxiety and concern about the future. Your family, friends, and partners may encounter difficulties as they face emotional and practical hurdles, family life disruptions, and roles shift.

 

ABIs and spinal cord injuries may substantially impact a person's relationships, social networks, leisure activities, and occupation. It may necessitate you and your close family to adapt to a new style of living and connections. However, care for someone with severe brain or spinal cord damage can bring everyone together again and assist them in prioritizing what is essential.

 

It will help if family members:

  • Have accurate and trustworthy information on the injury's impact.
  • Acknowledge the problems they may confront.
  • Recognize that rehabilitation can be a long and arduous process. It helps a career to adapt to the situation.
  • Stay in the now rather than dwelling on how terrible the future can appear.
  • Highlight your strengths and your accomplishments instead of your faults.
  • Spend time caring for themselves.
  • They ask for assistance when they need it.

 

Diagnosis of ABI or spinal cord injury

Various procedures, such as x-rays, MRI, and CT brain scans, can assist locate the precise locations of the brain or spinal cord damage. In certain instances, surgery may be required. Recovery relies on the severity and position of the brain or spinal cord injury, the patient's age and general condition, the speed, and quality of first aid administered, and the effectiveness of therapy.

 

People with ABIs and spinal cord injuries can perform the majority of the same tasks as the rest of the population, barring the most severe injuries. They could:

  • work
  • study
  • enjoy recreation
  • socialize
  • have relationships
  • Have a family of their own.

Occasionally, though, individuals must perform their tasks significantly differently from most people.

Rehabilitation for an acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury

Predicting the long-term implications of acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries is difficult. Depending on the underlying cause and degree of the ailment, the symptoms will vary from person to person and range from moderate to severe.

 

Find out more about the various causes, symptoms, and treatments:

 

Spinal cord injury - paraplegia and quadriplegia – is caused by an accident or other trauma to the spinal cord. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may get UTI, kidney stones, and pressure ulcers.

Strokes You could avoid a stroke or lessen its severity by detecting the warning symptoms and taking action. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking medical attention immediately is essential.

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Brain tumor Symptoms depend on whatever region of the brain is affected by the tumor. Typically, a developing tumor and swollen brain tissue exert pressure on the brain, resulting in symptoms.

Hydrocephalus, The excessive development of the brain canals (ventricles), is triggered by cerebrospinal fluid accumulation (CSF). Hydrocephalus can cause brain damage or death if left untreated.

Multiple sclerosis Neuropsychological symptoms, such as memory loss, sadness, and cognitive (thought-related) impairments, may result.

Subdural hematomas Blood clots typically form beneath one of the brain's protective layers following a blow to the head. There may be a strong headache, confusion, slurred speech, and visual abnormalities.

Aneurysm A protrusion in the arterial wall that is not typical. Aneurysms typically form along the aorta (the body's major blood conduit) and brain blood arteries. A ruptured aneurysm can result in death within minutes.

Alcohol-related brain impairment The disorders produced by alcohol abuse are often referred to as alcohol-associated brain damage (ARBI). A person with ARBI may have memory, cognitive ability, and physical coordination difficulties.

Parkinson's disease is A gradual, degenerative neurological disorder that impairs a person's ability to control body motions. It is neither infectious nor lethal. Study up on Parkinson's disease.

Coma Brain activity is impeded when there is a major problem with the brain's arousal mechanism or contact with other brain regions.

 

Treatment of concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from head trauma. Clinicians make this diagnosis when they are convinced that a more serious head injury has not happened.

 

After trauma, concussion symptoms may continue for up to three months. When you are discharged from the hospital or doctor's office, you and your family will be guided in your ongoing care.

 

Importantly, be on the lookout for symptoms during the first three days, including frequent vomiting, lack of coordination, severe or increasing headaches, repetitive questioning, agitation, or drowsiness despite analgesia (pain-relieving medication). Obtain medical care quickly.

Non-Surgical Treatments

A patient with an SCI will be hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). For numerous cervical spine injuries, traction may be used to assist realign the spine. Standard ICU care, including keeping stable blood pressure, monitoring cardiovascular function, providing appropriate ventilation and lung function, and preventing and rapidly treating infection and other problems, is necessary for SCI patients to obtain the best outcome.

Surgery

Suppose the spinal cord seems to be squeezed by a herniated disc, blood clot, or another lesion. In that case, a surgeon may occasionally wish to transport a patient to the operating room quickly. This is typically performed on patients with incomplete SCIs or increasing neurological decline. Even if surgery cannot restore spinal cord injury, it may be necessary to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity. The surgeon will choose which operation will offer the patient the best benefit.

 

Testing & Diagnosis

In a trauma situation, the physician will verify that the patient has a functioning airway, breathing, and pulse. The next phase in the evaluation is to evaluate the neurologic function of the individual. The physician will determine the patient's arm and leg strength and sensitivity. If there is a visible weakness or the patient is not fully conscious, the patient is placed in a hard cervical collar and on a spine board until a comprehensive imaging evaluation can be performed.

Radiological Evaluation

Historically, x-rays were the first step in SCI radiological diagnosis. In most hospitals, the whole spine can be examined with computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) as a preliminary screen for fractures and other skeletal anomalies due to technological developments. For patients with known or suspected spinal cord injuries, MRI is useful for examining the spinal cord and detecting any blood clots, herniated discs, or other objects that may be compressing the spinal cord.

An injury to the brain or spinal cord can occur as a result of trauma, tumor, illness or degenerative disease. Severe injuries to the head, neck or spine can lead to temporary or permanent physical disabilities as well as cause significant changes in your loved one’s thinking, memory, behavior, personality or ability to communicate. Our home care nurses, caregivers can help your senior adjust to his or her new living situation and implement proven routines to compensate for all types of nerve damage. We can also assist with any household tasks or personal needs.

Paraplegia can result from spinal cord damage in the lower part of the back leading to the paralysis of a senior’s body below the waist. On the other hand, a quadriplegic received a spinal cord injury to the neck area causing paralysis to his or her lower body, upper body and arms. Either injury can result in a loss of bladder and bowel control, and may require incontinence care in addition to other healthcare services. Within an individual’s capabilities, we will help your loved one achieve the highest level of independence possible.

From the Heart Home Care, LLC

We dedicated to seeing that your loved one has the opportunity for real life experiences and a maximum state of health following an accident or illness that leaves them with brain or nerve damage. Our goal is to educate and demonstrate ways they can bridge the gap between their limitations and desire for living independently. We also offer respite care to allow family caregivers an opportunity for personal time while knowing their loved one is safe, secure and receiving quality care in their absence.