A very common myth, not just around quacks, is that autism is a traumatic brain injury or TBI for short. Autism and TBI can have similar signs and both disabilities are developmental disabilities but a TBI is the only developmental disability that can be acquired later in life. All other developmental disabilities originate before and during birth.
What is TBI
TBI is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience TBI but there are some groups that are at a greater risk for it.
Causes of TBI
- Falls
- Vehicle related collisions
- violence
- sports injuries
- explosive blasts or other combat injuries
- lack of oxygen to the brain
The Types of TBI and Signs
There are three main types of TBI:
- Mild TBI or Concussion
- Headache
- nausea or vommitting
- fatigue or drowsiness
- problems with speech
- dizziness or loss of balance
- sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in ears, bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell
- sensitive to light or sound
- loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- no loss of consciousness, but state of being dazed, confused or disoriented
- memory or concentration problems
- mood changes or mood swings
- feeling depressed or anxious
- difficulty sleeping
- sleeping more than usual
- Moderate and Severe (two different types but same signs) TBIte
- loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
- persistent headache or headache that worsens
- repeated vomiting or nausea
- convulsions or seizures
- dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- clear liquids draining from nose or ears
- inability to awaken from sleep
- weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- loss of coordination
- profound confusion
- agitation, combativeness or other behavior that isn’t typical for the individual
- slurred speech
- coma or unconscious state
- Severe TBI
- see signs of Moderate TBI
Complications from TBI
- Altered consciousness
- coma
- vegetative state
- minimally conscious state
- brain death
- Physical complications
- seizures
- fluid buildup in the brain
- infectoins
- blood vessel damage
- headaches
- vertigo
- Cranial nerve damage
- paralysis of facial muscles or losing sensation in the face
- loss of altered sense of smell or taste
- loss of vision or double vision
- swallowing problems
- dizziness
- ringing in the ear
- hearing loss
- cognitive complications
- memory
- learning
- reasoning
- judgement
- attention or concentration
- executive functioning complications
- problem solving
- multitasking
- organization
- planning
- decision making
- bringing or completing tasks
- communication complications
- difficulty understanding speech or writing
- difficulty speaking or writing
- inability to organize thoughts and idea
- trouble following and participating in conversations
- trouble taking turns or topic selection in conversation
- problems with changing tone, pitch or emphasis to express emotions, attitudes or subtle difference with meaning
- trouble reading cues from listeners
- trouble starting or stopping conversations
- inability to use the muscles needed to form words verbally
- Behavioral changes
- difficulty with self control
- lack of awareness of abilities
- risky behavior
- difficulty in social situations
- verbal or pshycal outburst
- Emotional changes
- depression
- anxiety
- mood swings
- irritability
- lack of empathy
- anger
- insomnia
- Sensory changes
- persistent ringing in the ears
- difficulty recognizing objects
- impaired hand eye coordination
- blind spots or double vision
- a bitter taste, a bad smell or difficulty smelling
- skin tingling, pain or itching
- trouble with balance or dizziness
Degenerative Brain Diseases
Deaths Relating to TBI
Who is at Greatest Risk
- racial and ethnic minorities
- service members and veterans
- the homeless
- inmates in correctional and detention facilities
- survivors of domestic violence
- people who live in rural areas
- children, especially newborns to 4 year olds
- Young adults, especially ages 15-24
- adults 60 and older
- males of any age group (this is the statistic, not me making this assumption)
TBI Can be Short Term or Long Term
TBI During Childhood
- disrupt a child’s development
- limit their ability to participate in school and other activities
Signs in Children with TBI
- change in eating or nursing habits
- unusually or easily irritable
- persistent crying and inability to be consoled
- change in ability to pay attention
- change in sleep habits
- seizures
- sad or depressed mood
- drowsiness
- loss of interest in favorite toys or activities