Traumatic Brain Injury

ByJolene Swoverland

Occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain

Can be mild, moderate or severe Can result when the head suddenly and

violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skulls and enters brain tissue

Definition

Symptoms:1. May remain conscious2. May experience loss of consciousness for a

few seconds or minutes3. Headache4. Confusion5. Lightheadedness6. Dizziness7. Blurred vision

Mild TBI

Ringing in the ears Bad taste in mouth Fatigue or lethargy Change in sleep patterns Behavioral or mood changes Trouble with memory, concentration,

attention or thinking

Mild TBI (cont.)

May have previous symptoms listed plus:1. Headache that worsens and doesn’t go away2. Repeated vomiting or nausea3. Convulsions or seizures4. Inability to awaken from sleep5. Dilation of one or both pupils6. Slurred speech7. Weakness or numbness in extremities8. Loss of coordination9. Increased confusion, restlessness or agitation

Moderate or Severe TBI

Evaluation by special education staff and parents

This determines how the brain injury has affected the student’s ability to learn and function in school

IEP developed

How they qualify

May need adaptive teaching methods and adaptive aids

Based on severity of head injury and IEP

How needs are met

www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm www.traumaticbraininjury.com/content/sym

ptoms/severebisymptoms.html www.lapublishing.com/blog/2009/brain-injur

y-special-education/

References