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Question 1

The neurological examination assesses a person’s nervous system in the healthcare

providers’ offices (Polinder, Cnossen, Real, Covic, Gorbunova & Voormolen, 2018). Reflex

hammers and lights are the critical tools used in the assessment. The human nervous system

consists of body parts, such as the brain, the nerves, and the spinal cord. Post- Concussive

Syndrome (PSC) occurs when the concussions after an injury last beyond the expected recovery

period. Memory concentration, dizziness, and headaches are the symptoms associated with this

syndrome. Assessing a post-concussive syndrome might be difficult as there is no specific test

for it. However, physical examinations, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and

Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, can be used to assess the sensory skills and motor, body

balance and coordination, the patient’s mental status, the nerves functionality, and the body

reflexes (Polinder et al., 2018).

Question 2

The mitochondrial damage results from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and further leads to

brain damages. In addition, mitochondrial damage causes oxidative stress and further reduces the

cellular energy production by the body (Zhang, Zhou, Mao, Ding & Hu, 2019). Therefore,

oxidative stress can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to diseases and organ failure.

The mitochondria produce the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are responsible for proper

body functioning. Oxidative stress causes the pathophysiology of secondary Traumatic Brain

Injury damages. On the other hand, mitochondria are considered a critical producer of oxygen in

the body. Therefore, oxidative stress, an imbalance between the ROS and the antioxidant

defense, causes the ROS level to increase (Zhang et al., 2019).

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Question 3

Yes. For TBI, a baseline lab test can be carried out on the person’s blood to test for the

availability of certain proteins in the person’s blood after a traumatic brain injury. If the results

turn out to be negative, the clinicians can decide to do away with the CT or MRI scans to assess

the concussions.

For PCS, a baseline lab test can be carried out to test individuals' brain functionality, for

example, athletes before sports seasons. Concussion tests compare where a player will get

injured, which will guide the clinicians on whether the concussions caused any damage to the

brain.

Question 4

Neuroimaging is a clinical process that checks on brain functionality. It is mainly

concerned with brain scanning and includes various techniques that show the functioning and

structure of the brain. Clinicians can use MRI scans, and CT scans in the assessment of the brain

during neuroimaging. The techniques majorly use light and reflex hammers as imaging tools.

Question 5

Post- Concussive Syndrome has two possible treatment options. The clinicians can decide

to use the medication techniques or the active rehabilitation method. Functional rehabilitation

enhances brain neuroplasticity that improves brain functionality. Medication techniques are

always focused on the symptoms. Two composite doses of hyperbaric therapy lead to improved

PCS through the increment of air pressure. A patient can undergo a forty-minute treatment every

day while the pressure is maintained at 0.2 MPa.

To treat TBI, clinicians focus on maintaining the oxygenation levels in the body and

further blood flow support to prevent other injuries, such as hypoxia. To manage the long-term
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effects of TBI, clinicians may use psychostimulants or antidepressants. Clinicians can use

propranolol to improve the aggressiveness of the patients. The total daily dosage for this drug

ranges between 80mg to 320mg and should be taken orally two to four times a day. These drugs

will enhance the management of thinking and reasoning abilities and neurobehavioral factors that

might damage the brain.

Question 6

Yes. There are long-term sequelae risks associated with TBI. These risks include memory

impairment, agitation, anxiety, and changes in the behavior of the patients. The risks cause

increased brain injuries and lead to permanent impairment of the brain functionality, and may

further cause deaths or disability among the youths.

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References

Polinder, S., Cnossen, M., Real, R., Covic, A., Gorbunova, A., & Voormolen, D. et al. (2018). A

Multidimensional Approach to Post-concussion Symptoms in Mild Traumatic Brain

Injury. Frontiers In Neurology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.01113

Zhang, L., Wang, H., Zhou, X., Mao, L., Ding, K., & Hu, Z. (2019). Role of mitochondrial

calcium uniporter‐mediated Ca 2+ and iron accumulation in traumatic brain

injury. Journal Of Cellular And Molecular Medicine, 23(4), 2995-3009.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.14206