Along with this impairment the person will generally suffer from a diminished state of consciousness.

Also known as a brain injury this type of injury is measured within 48 hours of occurrence on a scale that is known as the GCS or Glasgow Coma Scale. This scale will enable the medical profession to determine the severity of the traumatic brain injury.

The scale determines the level of severity based on the opening of the eyes to different types of stimulation, the motor responses, and verbal responses based on various criteria. These responses will determine a severe, moderate, or mild traumatic brain injury.

The incidence of traumatic brain injury is a major concern in the United States. Its incidence measures a highly elevated occurrence of death and disability. Over one million people who are stricken with a traumatic brain injury will suffer with disabling consequences on a long-term basis. These disabling traumatic brain injuries occurred due to a variety of circumstances, which include motor vehicle related injuries, injuries related to falling accidents, and blunt trauma to the brain such as in an assault.

As of 2006, the rate of occurrence of traumatic brain injury was at its highest level in the state of Arizona and at its lowest level in the state of Nebraska. Person in the over 75-year-old age category suffered the most traumatic brain related injuries requiring hospitalization. This category made up the highest rate of occurrence.

This particular age group also seemed to suffer the most traumatic brain injury occurrence due to falls because of decreased stability and agility. The second highest rate of occurrence was determined in the teen to mid-twenties category. This category was twice as high as other age groups. The male gender seems to suffer from traumatic brain related injuries over its female counterpart. The female species in the under four category also seemed to suffer with an approximate 50 percent above any other female age category.

Incidences of traumatic brain injuries are a growing concern to the medical profession. The are constantly putting forth substantial efforts to instill preventative health and safety programs in hopes of decreasing these numbers of incidences that are far too high. Continuing efforts are always in the works to lessen these alarmingly high numbers of occurrences. It is hoped that with continued effort that this number will decline over the years on a consistent basis.

An Overlooked Beginning

Most of the time, the beginnings of dyslexia is overlooked, which is the reason why a lot of cases are only diagnosed during adulthood. To think of it, in present culture when a child has not yet learned to fluently read by the age of ten or eleven years, he or she would be often thought of to be lacking in motivation or intelligence.

Most people would think that they are stupid or lazy. However, in most cases, they are neither of the two. Most likely, they have dyslexia, which is a learning disability that causes their difficulty in understanding written language, even though they have normal or even higher-than-normal IQ.

Faulty Wiring And Early Detection

The most recent studies show that the difficulties in reading that dyslexic people experience are due to “faulty wiring” in specific brain areas that have a relation to learning and language. Research also shows that identifiable genetic variations or defects are the partial cause of this faulty wiring.

Early screening and detection for such variations makes it possible for you to have appropriate and timely remedial training. Most experts suggest that children should be allowed to deal with their condition to overcome it and at least learn how to read at an acceptable level. However, since dyslexia is sometimes only diagnosed during adulthood, the benefits of early detection are not maximized.

Late Detection

Although there are people who only become dyslexic during their adulthood, due to stroke and traumatic brain injury, in most cases the condition is a developmental disorder. According to experts, still, the majority of cases reported of people with dyslexia are adults who have had it ever since childhood but only knew they had it when they were already adults.

This late detection of the condition is something most adult dyslexics are troubled with since early intervention is not a choice anymore. However, if you are one of those who had late detection, there is no reason to be troubled. Intervention no matter how early or late is still intervention, even though they may have varying effects.

The Issue On Brain Plasticity

Late detection becomes an issue due to the premise of brain plasticity. Research shows that younger people or even animals have a more elastic brain than older counterparts. The relevance of brain plasticity is that it is one important factor in relation to intervention.

Since the brain is more elastic when you are younger; rewiring of the brain is then possible, since it hasn’t reached its mature state and continues to develop. Thus, if ever a learning disability like dyslexia is present, then your brain can still be developed to function at a more acceptable level, where the condition has minimal effect.

A lot of adults recently diagnosed with the condition fear that intervention would do them no good, simply because their brain is not as elastic anymore as children’s. However, recent studies show that the brain’s property of elasticity is still present even with adults.

This recent finding on plasticity in the adult brain is a breakthrough for adult dyslexics. So if you are an adult that had late diagnosis, then be happy! There is still hope for your condition to improve, even if only to an acceptable level.

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These obsessions and compulsions take up a large amount of the time of the sufferer on a daily basis will usually cause significant emotional distress. These lead to difficulties in relationships with others, social situations and employment.

Some researchers question whether OCD belongs with anxiety disorders but rather should be grouped with other compulsive disorders such as Tourettes syndrome which are known to have a biological cause. Interestingly there is a difference between obsessive compulsive personality disorder and OCD. The personality disorder is marked by a pattern of lifelong control and orderliness as well as perfection in all areas of life that begins no later than early adult years.

There is considerable evidence for OCD and biological causal factors and components. The earliest belief was that it was purely psychological. In the early part of the 20th century Sigmund Freud theorized that OCD were caused by early toilet training. Others believed it was caused by cultural attitudes on cleanliness and neatness or the parenting style of the parents.

In studies of families who have members with OCD the researchers found that the particular way in which the OCD was expressed was affected by the responses of the people in the family. For instance, families who had a high tolerance for the symptoms were more likely to have family members with extreme or elaborate symptoms.

Other researchers have found a considerable body of evidence of OCD and biological components. Some have found that OCD is more common in those people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or has been diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome.

Recent studies using PET scanning has shown evidence that those with OCD have patterns of brain activity that is different than people with other mental illnesses. MRIs demonstrate that people with OCD had less white matter in their brains than the normal control subjects.

There are also theories that there is an abnormality in the metabolism of serotonin in people with OCD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which affects the communication between the front of the brain and the structures that lie deeper such as the basal ganglia. Dysfunction of the serotonin system in the brain happens with other mental illnesses such as Tourettes, Sydenhams chorea, eating disorders and delusional disorder.

There also appear genetic factors in OCD and biological causal factors. Families who have one person with OCD is at a greater risk of having a second person diagnosed with the same disorder. In a study of twins it was found that identical twins were likely to share the disorder when twins who werent identical did not. The occurrence between identical twins isnt 100% which suggests there are environmental factors as well.

In large epidemiological studies researchers have found that those who have suffered from streptococcal infections in childhood and who are predisposed to OCD will see abrupt onset or worsening of OCD symptoms. Patients who exhibit OCD after such an infection were usually infected by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci often responsible for strep throat or Syndenhams chorea.

It has been found that there are links between OCD and biological causal factors which will then point to ways in which to treat the disorder or even cure it. Researchers continue to work toward finding more information about the disorder so that treatment and cure for patients who suffer from this debilitating condition can be found.

A brain injury can affect the skills which are required for an individual to drive safely. The injured person, family members and health care professionals should all be included in the important decision of whether or not the individual is able to return to driving and when. Driving is the ultimate multitasking experience.

Drivers are expected to watch the road in front, the road behind, anticipate what other drivers will be doing, factor in the weather, the radio and the passengers all at the same time.

Brain injury can affect many of the physical, cognitive and behavioral skills that are needed in order for an individual to drive appropriately and safely. For example, an individual who has suffered from a brain injury may have difficulty coordinating speed, breaking and steering the vehicle all at the same time.

Brain injury can also affect vision. This does the main just clarity which might be corrected through glasses or corrective lenses. This really addresses central vision which means the ability of the brain to process the information which is being fed to it through the eyes. Drivers also need good peripheral vision to be able to detect movement on either side of the vehicle. Perception of spatial relationships between the vehicle and its surroundings help the driver to avoid crashing into other vehicles by staying between the lines. By being able to picture the vehicle in space the driver is able to judge distances when changing lanes, stopping or preparing to enter or exit a highway.

A brain injury can also compare reaction time which is required after the brain has process information. Drivers are also called upon to make judgments whether trying to merge into flowing traffic or to drive through a heavy rainstorm. These judgments involves weighing the skill of the drive for and the conditions of hand, which requires self-awareness, something many individuals with brain injury lack.

Much of the research that has been done to date tells us that it’s individuals with brain injury may not be able to recognize even some of the mild cognitive difficulties that can lead to an increased risk of driving. Skills that are often disrupted include the ability to maintain a constant position in the lane, accuracy of visual perception, eye hand coordination and reaction time. More recent research also shows that individuals who have suffered from a brain injury can experience difficulties understanding visual stimulation from the peripheral vision. This can be a problem related to driving performance. But the same research also gives hope that these skills can be improved through rigorous training.

In a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation researchers looked at 71 pairs of adults who cannot suffered a dramatic brain injury and their significant other. Driving status was evaluated based on whether they resumed driving, frequency of driving and postinjury driving records which were compiled by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Using logistic and hierarchical regression analysis the researchers found that the significant other’s perceptions of the patient’s fitness was the strongest predictor of the patient’s ability to drive and driving frequency. But, other factors such as the years post injury, disability at discharge and their current neuropsychological functioning with the best predictors for driving safety.

Individuals who have suffered from a brain injury will give off warning signs of being an unsafe driver such as driving too fast or too slow for conditions, not observing signs and signals, in accurately judging distance when stopping returning, making decisions slowly, becoming easily distracted or confused, having near misses were several accidents, drifting across lane markings or getting lost easily and familiar areas.

Individuals who wish to continue to drive after sustaining a severe brain injury must check with the laws in their particular state before assuming that there are drivers license continues to be valid. In some states it is the responsibility of the physician to report a brain injury to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In other states this reporting process may not be required or the state may not have the ability to take such report at all.

In many instances both the physician and the family will ask the patient to take a driving evaluations test in order to determine if the individual is fit to remain on the road. A typical past has two parts: a preliminary evaluation which is a written test and a review of thinking abilities and the road tests which is a review of mechanical operations of the vehicle using driving simulator or driving an actual vehicle on the road.

The time it takes to go from actual trauma and injury to returning to the road actually is dependence upon the severity of the injury, previous helps, overall health and support systems which may be available for the individual to become a trained driver once again. In some cases vehicle modifications such as the hand controlled gas and brake system, spinner knobs or left foot accelerator may be necessary in order to make the driver fully functional on the road.

Before making a decision family and patients should have a discussion with their physician or other health professionals, get a professional evaluation and make their determination based on the advice of the professionals and the results of their test. Patients should remember that they are first tests is not their last test. These driving tests can be performed at any time the doctor or therapists believe that the abilities of the patient has improved.

Individuals who have the option of returning to the workplace will have to work through the cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges in a way that is satisfactory to their employer and to themselves. Skills that are needed in order to enter the workplace, but which are often impaired individuals who have suffered from a brain injury, our attention and concentration, language skills, spatial abilities and memory. Individuals who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury may also experience restlessness and agitation, emotional irritability and diminished insight. Coupled with poor initiative, depression, anxiety and impulsivity the individual who has suffered a TBI is at a distinct this advantage when attempting to return to their old job.

While going back to work successfully can have a significant positive effect on the emotional stability and overall well-being of an individual the opposite is also true. Going back unsuccessfully can have a negative effect which will be felt for months to come. However, following a few simple steps a brain injury survivor can balance the scales on the side of success and increase their ability to function appropriately in the workplace.

Brain injury survivors are often described as not “being the same” as they were prior to the injury. This description is often depressing to both the survivor and the families. However, it is essential that the survivor and family focused not on what has been lost but online the future. And, in order to achieve this milestone they must first grieve for what has been lost.

Once the brain injury survivor and family are ready to tackle the job of reentering the workplace they may start with a vocational counselor. A vocational counselor is often a part of the rehabilitation team, whether on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The goal of the team is to bring these survivor to a place where they are able to function at the highest level possible considering their injury and damage.

A vocational counselor will work with other members of the team to ascertain an adequate history and determine any cognitive disabilities, physical impairments or emotional challenges that may negatively impact the individual in a job placement. The counselor will also assess the skills, interests and capabilities of the individual by testing that person personally. Using all of this information they come up with suitable work options which may or may not include the previous job or career at the individual health prior to the event.

The vocational counselor will also help the family and brain injury survivor to deal with their limitations and learned to compensate for their challenges. By concentrating on their current strengths and not their weaknesses individuals will be able to determine specific skills they currently hold which would be an asset to an employer.

Brain injury survivors will often have fears about reentering the workforce. These fears may stem from a fear of failure but, with support from friends and family as well as employers many brain injury survivors are able to successfully reenter the workforce and maintain a productive employment status. Support from family, friends and employers is necessary for the success of their reentry program.

If the survivor returns to his previous employment it’s important for the employer to recognize that they will not function at the same level as they did prior to the injury. The employer is encouraged to see this individual as a new employee and nods depend upon them in the same fashion as they did prior to the trauma. Care should be given to developing strategies using the vocational counselor, with both these survivor and potentially the employer.

Compensatory strategies, such as changing certain aspects of the work environment to accommodate a physical disability, may be necessary in order to successfully integrate the individual back into the workplace. The employer isn’t being asked to work with an individual who is unable to provide any positive benefit to the company but rather to support an individual who still has the ability to effectively perform service on the job.

Another option is a job coach who will provide training and support outside of the rehabilitation process and will work with the employer to meet the needs of both the employer and the employee.

By providing the brain injury survivor the right amount of support and options employers and families can make the difference between success in the reentry process and failure.