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  • Home / Blog / Home / Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

March 25, 2013 by Molly Mattison
brain injury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared March “Brain Injury Awareness Month.” 

Chamberlain Visiting Professor Lorry Schoenly, PhD, RN, CCHP-RN, is a correctional nurse and the author of Essentials of Correctional Nursing. She shares information about traumatic brain injuries below, including tips for recognizing the signs and symptoms of a brain injury in the inmate population.

While an estimated 2% of the general population has sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with continuing disability, the prevalence in the inmate population is estimated at more than 60%. As a correctional nurse, it is particularly critical to be well-versed in the signs and symptoms of the condition.

Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by assault, falls, motor vehicle crashes and military duty blasts. Patients who have been victims of physical abuse or part of a violent lifestyle are prone to this condition.

The long-term effects of TBI include memory problems, an inability to focus and poor impulse control. Patients with this condition may respond in anger, aggression or verbal disrespect to cover for their deficits. Other signs of TBI among the inmate patient population include:

  • Outbursts of anger or irritation
  • Increased behavioral infractions
  • Forgetfulness about rules of prohibited conduct, restricted areas, and where they should be and by when
  • Memory deficits
  • Pain and headache
  • Difficulty concentrating

TBI can lead to depression, anxiety, anger issues and substance abuse. It can also predispose one to seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

TBI treatment focuses on symptom management and compensation for cognitive deficits. A careful intake history is an important first step to diagnosing TBI and managing symptoms.

A version of this post originally appeared on Lorry Schoenly’s blog, correctionalnurse.net. Listen to a podcast, “Tips for Dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury” with Schoenly and Barbara Curtis, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Service, Washington State Department of Corrections. 

By Molly Mattison

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    † Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). The Chamberlain University Doctor of Nursing Practice (delivered via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202-909-2526). Chamberlain University’s Master of Public Health Program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, www.ceph.org. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation. Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation, www.cswe.org. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Chamberlain University Physician Assistant Program. 

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