Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by an external force that causes damage to the brain. According to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, approximately 1.4 million people in the United States experience a TBI each year, with over 80,000 suffering a long-term disability. Healing from a TBI usually involves rehabilitation, which can last for months or years. Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential in the care of a person with a TBI, both in the initial phases following injury and during rehabilitation.
Identification
TBIs can occur for various reasons, but may include any type of injury that affects the brain. The degree of severity depends on the mechanism and nature of the injury; some TBI patients may have mild symptoms while for others, a TBI changes their lives. A person may experience headache, dizziness and lethargy in the short-term; long-term complications can result in memory problems, anger and loss of coordination. Some TBI patients can become comatose. Throughout the process of managing symptoms of a TBI, proper nutrition is essential to promote recovery and reduce complications.
Hospitalization
The initial care needed following a TBI usually involves hospitalization and testing to determine the extent of the damage. Physicians order fluids for the patient to keep cells functioning and correct electrolyte imbalances that can occur because of dehydration. Additionally, the patient needs essential nutrients through food to support the body's repair process through this time. Complications of a TBI, such as infection, fever or some types of medications, can increase the body's caloric needs and physicians must adjust the overall calorie intake accordingly.
Rehabilitation
During the rehabilitation process, some patients with a TBI must work hard to regain some skills they once had before the injury. For many people, this involves practicing eating food and drinking liquids for rehabilitation purposes and to promote continued nutrition. Other patients may have difficulty maintaining adequate intake due to their injuries. Depending on the situation, a person with a TBI may need assistance with getting enough food and liquids to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. This may occur because the patient has difficulty feeding himself or due to a lack of interest in eating or other activities.
Types
People who have suffered a TBI can gain nutrition and fluids through various methods to continually support their healing and rehabilitation processes. During hospitalization, healthcare staff may administer fluids and electrolytes through intravenous lines that can dispense larger amounts of fluids than drinking by mouth alone. For patients who have difficulty eating or who are comatose, preparations known as total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be given intravenously. TPN is formulated by a pharmacist; it can be modified depending on the situation. Some patients may have a gastric feeding tube placed soon after a TBI, which allows healthcare providers to administer formulated feedings directly into the stomach. According to New York Presbyterian Hospital, this method provides adequate caloric intake for the patient during the initial, critical time following an injury and may help reduce overall mortality.
