Brain injuries resulting in damage do not affect just the cognitive, or thinking, processes. These injuries can result in many impairments ranging from psychological to physical disabilities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 to 80 percent of these cases result from a mild concussion leaving lifetime impairments which negatively impact functional, social and occupational roles and create tremendous financial burdens.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder affecting motor-skills and executive function in the brain--leading to slowed response, poor attention and concentration, poor concept formation and problem-solving abiltiies, postural problems and shuffling gait when walking. According the the Neuropsychological Assessment of Neuropsychiatric and Neuromedical Disorders, Third Edition--a single concussion that results in a loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes can contribute tremendously to the development of this disease later on.
Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
Alzheimer's disease is considered a progressively degenerative cognitive disorder accompanied by neural atrophy, synapse loss and the abnormal accumulation of diffuse/neuritic plaques--build up--and neurofibrillary tangles. If an individual has a history of repeated head traumas, such as that seen in boxers or victims of domestic violence, this may be a precursor to dementia and cognitive impairments later in life. According to "Neuropsychological Assessment of Neuropsychiatric and Neuromedical Disorders, Third Edition," normally a case of Alzheimer's stems from the familial history and genetic disposition of cellular materials. In just one concussion event, however, the likelihood of developing a cognitive degenerative disorder doubles. A family history in an individual who has received repeated head injuries raises the likelihood six-fold.
Apraxia
The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines apraxia as a neurological disorder affected by the cerebral hemispheres and parietal lobe in particular. This disorder is characterized by the loss of ability to carry out motor skill functions or certain gestures. For example, an individual with buccofacial or orofacial apraxia exhibits difficulty with movements related to the face--to include coughing, licking of the lips and whistling. A limb-kinetic apraxia can create problems with fine motor skills such as movement of the arms or legs. Ideomotor apraxia leads to difficulty in responding to a prompt that requires repetitive motion such as eating, and verbal apraxia relates to difficulty forming words. Finally, an ocular apraxia relates to movement of the eyes.
Psychological Disturbance & Personality Changes
Psychological disturbance in traumatic brain injuries can create a host of behavioral issues. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that depression, anxiety, paranoia and irritation are just a few of the noted associative disorders related to this type of injury. Personality changes can occur as well as increased empathy and disregard for public decency. The conditions can fluctuate daily and increase as agitation or communication problems arise.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Traumatic Brain Injury
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Apraxia
- "Neuropsychological Assessment of Neuropsychiatric and Neuromedical Disorders, Third Edition"; Grant, I & Adams, KM (Eds); 2009
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Hope Through Research
