Closed Head Injury

(often called TBI and/or Post Concussion Syndrome)

At the Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington we specialize in helping patients with mild to moderate brain injuries regain lost function. Our research (The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, Vol. 16, # 3, June 2001.) has shown that regardless of the time that has lapsed since the original injury, EEG neurofeedback is very effective in returning mental and physical functioning. Treatment of people following severe injuries has produced a reduction in irritability and violent behaviors.

Closed-Head or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden physical assault on the head causes damage to the brain. The damage can be focal, confined to one area of the brain, or diffuse, involving more than one area of the brain. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. A closed head injury occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, but the object does not break through the skull. A penetrating head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. Several types of traumatic injuries can affect the head and brain. A skull fracture occurs when the bone of the skull cracks or breaks. A depressed skull fracture occurs when pieces of the broken skull press into the tissue of the brain. This can cause bruising of the brain tissue, called a contusion. A contusion can also occur in response to shaking of the brain within the confines of the skull, an injury called "countrecoup." Damage to a major blood vessel within the head can cause a hematoma, or heavy bleeding into or around the brain. The severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death. A coma is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. Symptoms of a TBI may include headache, nausea, confusion or other cognitive problems, a change in personality, depression, irritability, learning and memory problems, and other emotional and behavioral problems. Some people may have seizures as a result of a TBI.

Immediate treatment for TBI involves surgery to control bleeding in and around the brain, monitoring and controlling intracranial pressure, insuring adequate blood flow to the brain, and treating the body for other injuries and infection.

Below we have attached a central nervous system questionnaire (CNSQ). This is a survey that we have our patients complete at the beginning of treatment, periodically during treatment, and at the completion of treatment. Please review this information to get an idea of the areas of your everyday life that we can affect positively.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW QUESTIONNAIRE

Below you will find three graphs that show the outcomes of a study that was performed by Dr. Mary Lee Esty and associates in conjunction with an NIH block grant. (The complete results of this study were published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal for Head Trauma Rehabilitation.) These graphs show total changes in the CNSQ (from beginning of treatment to the completion of treatment); the same information for the four study participants who developed fibromyalgia as a result of their TBI; and the overall results for the fibromyalgia patients.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW TO GRAPHED RESULTS

Please see the description of our treatment modalities   for more information.