Traumatic Brain Injury

1563 Words4 Pages

Traumatic Brain Injury
There is no doubt that the human brain is the most fantastic of all the organs. With its inconceivably complex functions, layout, and delicate chemical balances, it is truly wondrous. You have undoubtedly heard the many expert opinions and expressions as they relate to the human brain – “the brain is a muscle that must be used in order to strengthen it,” “we only use ten percent of our brain capacity,” “nothing we experience is ever truly forgotten,” and so on. But what happens to the brain when it is injured? Let us begin with an explanation of what we mean by traumatic brain injury, with the understanding that the definition itself is a difficult undertaking. According to Traumatic•Brain•Injury.com the definition can be stated as follows –
“Traumatic brain injury, often referred to as TBI, is most often an acute event similar to other injuries. However, a traumatic brain injury is very different. Since our brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of our lives, including our personality. With an injury to a specific part of your body your personality and mental abilities remain unchanged. Most often, these body structures heal and regain their previous function. Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries. Recovery is a functional recovery, based on mechanisms that remain uncertain. No two brain injuries are alike and the consequence of two similar injuries may be very different (traumaticbraininjury.com).”
The major parts of the brain relevant to traumatic brain injury to be discussed include: the Frontal Lobes, Parietal Lobes, Occipital Lobes, Temporal Lobes, Cerebellum, and the Brain Stem. All of these are responsible for different functions; however, they a...

... middle of paper ...

...html
Wisegeek.com. (2013). What are the functions of the temporal lobe?. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-functions-of-the-temporal-lobe.htm Knierim J. (1997). Functions of the cerebellum. [Web]. Retrieved from http://neuroscience.uth.tmc.edu/s3/chapter05.html P.A. Kinsler. (2012). Brain structures and there functions. [Wed]. Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/kinser/Structure1.html#brainstem
Dynaslint systems Inc. (2012). Brain stem injury recovery & rehabilitation. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.dynasplint.com/glossary/term/brain-stem-injury/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Injury prevention & control: Traumatic brain injury. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/
Bailey R. (2013). Biology: Limbic system. [Web]. Retrieved from http://biology.about.
com/od/anatomy/a/aa042205a.htm

Open Document