Carson Hope

ECS 103 Jackson

DISABILITY HANDOUT:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Description and Characteristics
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired injury to the brain from a physical
force outside of the body. A traumatic brain
injury can be partially or completely disabling and
can cause impairments.
Impairments to the following areas are common:
§ Psychological state and behavior
§ Cognition
§ Memory
§ Language and speech
§ Attention
§ Judgement
§ Sensory, perceptual, and motor abilities
A TBI can cause the brain to affect the body systems in abnormal or unexpected
ways since the brain controls all of the body systems and body functioning.
Incidence
§ 1 in every 500 children are hospitalized with a brain
injury each year
§ 3% of children born each year will sustain a TBI at
some point before late adolescence
§ More than 3% of children struggle in school and
daily life activities because the complications that
come with TBIs can last for many years
§ School districts should expect to have several
students who have suffered from a TBI/will struggle
with complications from said TBI
§ The peak incidence of TBIs are between the ages
of 15 and 19
§ Boys who suffer from TBIs outnumber girls 2:1
Causes and Etiology
There are several causes for traumatic brain injuries.
The most common cause in children under the age of
5 (and peaking ages 2 and under) are falls. Another
common cause is in motor vehicle accidents. Physical
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abuse is another common cause for TBI, and the actual incidence is likely larger
than stated because of incidents that are not reported. An accident involving a car
and a pedestrian or bicycle can also result in a TBI. The cause can determine the
severity of a TBI as well as age (generally most severe in infants).

Intervention and Treatment

Treatment for a traumatic brain injury is a multi-step process. These are the
phases:
1. Acute care phase: Beginning at the scene of the injury and continues in the
emergency room. This is usually followed by a stay in the intensive care unit
(ICU).
2. Post-acute care: This usually begins in a rehabilitation hospital or
rehabilitation unit. Services and therapies (including physical, occupational
and speech) are provided to maximize functioning and potential of recovery.
Certain intense services may be assessed for depending on present
complications. Family needs are taken into consideration as well. This can
last for a time span between a few days and a few months.
3. Outpatient rehabilitation: This may follow inpatient rehabilitation services.
This can include return visits and continued therapy services. Residential
rehabilitation may be another option depending on location and severity of
the condition and complications.
4. School re-entry: Children are often able to go back to school after
hospitalization and initial treatment, but homebound services is another
option. An initial readiness assessment is required then plans will be made
from there. This includes studying up on medical records, follow ups, and
notes on therapy sessions. In school, special attention must be considered
for certain medical requirements.

Implications for Development and Learning

Potential Areas of strength:
Students who have suffered from a TBI can still have the same IQ scores or
achievement levels as a child who has not suffered from a TBI. A student who has
suffered from a TBI will have their own specific areas of strength (and weakness)
and this will vary from child to child.
Potential Areas Requiring Support:
§ Memory (post-traumatic amnesia)
§ Physical functioning
§ Cognition and academic abilities
§ Sensory functioning (hearing and visual)
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§ Language and communication

§ Behavior and emotions (including post-traumatic stress disorder)
Treatment and Services in the Community:
Depending on the child’s location, they may receive services at a hospital, a
pediatrician, or an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation facility after the injury
occurs. After immediate treatment, the child may receive speech therapy, or
physical/occupational therapy, which may happen at school or in the community.
This may also happen in the home for children receiving early intervention
services. The child may also receive counseling services due to trauma endured.

References
DePompei, R. (2010, November, 02). Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Where Do We Go from Here?.
Retrieved from: http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/02/pediatric-traumatic-brain-
injury_pageall.html
Schoenbrodlt, L. (Ed.) (2001). Children with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Parents’ Guide. Bethesda, MD:
Woodbine House.
Tyler, J. S., & Mira, M. P. (1999). Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Adolescents: A Sourcebook for
Teachers and Other School Personnel. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
University of Oregon: The Center for Brain Injury Research & Training. (2015). TBI in
Children Under 5. Retrieved from: http://cbirt.org/tbi-education/early-childhood-
tbi/tbi-children-under-5.