NE9 Brain Injury

Brain Injury – is damage to living [blank_start]tissue[blank_end] of the brain that occurs some time after birth through a traumatic (TBI) or a [blank_start]medical[blank_end] event. Sex breakdown - Female 30%, [blank_start]Male[blank_end] 70% Referrals - 40% [blank_start]Rural[blank_end] 60% Urban [blank_start]Traumatic[blank_end] injuries make up 70% of our members

Emotional and behavioural problems: Approx. [blank_start]50[blank_end]% of people with TBI will be affected by depression within the first year. This [blank_start]increases[blank_end] to 2/3 within [blank_start]7[blank_end] years. 50% TBI patients who are depressed also have significant [blank_start]anxiety[blank_end].

Concussion: • [blank_start]Mild[blank_end] Traumatic Brain Injury • Change in brain function due to either [blank_start]direct or indirect[blank_end] blow to the head – E.g. can be concussed by having a blow to the trunk; if this results in rotational, acceleration or deceleration [blank_start]forces[blank_end] to the head • Can be concussed without losing [blank_start]consciousness[blank_end] • A concussion: – Causes [blank_start]temporary[blank_end] disruption of the brain’s normal [blank_start]electrical and chemical[blank_end] processes leading to various symptoms and signs

These are all consequences of moderate to severe TBI. Select ALL the cognitive problems and leave the physical problems.

Consequences of moderate to severe TBI include 'Excess of behaviour'. Includes: [blank_start]Agitation, Impulsivity,[blank_end] Perseveration - [blank_start]repetition[blank_end] of a particular response (such as a word, phrase, or gesture), Verbal and physical [blank_start]aggression[blank_end]. This causes: - Difficulty with [blank_start]social[blank_end] interaction and family/family relationships - [blank_start]Job[blank_end] loss / disruption Other issues: • Affects the individual’s ability to deal with [blank_start]other[blank_end] health problems – Does not [blank_start]understand[blank_end] what is said – Does not [blank_start]remember[blank_end] appointments – Does not remember [blank_start]instructions[blank_end] – More [blank_start]stressed[blank_end] over a minor medical condition

Medication: • Helps control [blank_start]epilepsy[blank_end] • Reduces [blank_start]pain[blank_end] • Can assist in managing [blank_start]challenging[blank_end] behaviour Blister packs – great for those with [blank_start]cognitive[blank_end] difficulties, some with physical problems like hemiplegia may struggle to open. Issues • Compliance – [blank_start]memory, understanding instructions,[blank_end] • Over/under/misuse - taking double or [blank_start]accidental[blank_end] overdose • No medical [blank_start]follow[blank_end] up when new medications introduced • Impact on overall functioning

As a Pharmacist: • If a person says they have a brain injury take on board they will probably struggle with [blank_start]memory[blank_end]. • Ask the person what is the [blank_start]best[blank_end] format to [blank_start]communicate[blank_end] with them. Clear and simple information and direction.