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