Traumatic Brain Injury

Plain-language definition

Brain injury following traumatic impact. Intensive rehabilitation to recover motor and cognitive functions.

Signs and points requiring attention

• Variable motor deficits depending on injured brain areas: hemiplegia, tetraparesis, coordination disorders (ataxia). Intensity can range from slight clumsiness to complete paralysis requiring intensive and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Balance and coordination disorders: dizziness, postural instability, difficulty coordinating movements (cerebellar syndrome). These disorders significantly impact walking and daily activities.
• Frequent cognitive disorders: attention, concentration, short-term memory difficulties, slowed information processing. These 'invisible' sequelae can persist for a long time and require associated neuropsychological rehabilitation.
• Significant and disabling fatigue, often disproportionate to effort expended. This post-traumatic brain fatigue can last months and requires adaptation of activities and lifestyle.

• Violent headaches, different from usual headaches, or progressively worsening headaches. These symptoms may signal a complication (late hematoma, intracranial hypertension) requiring urgent consultation.
• Repeated vomiting, unusual excessive drowsiness or difficulty staying awake. These warning signs may indicate a neurological complication and justify immediate medical consultation.
• Seizures (even isolated) or any loss of consciousness, however brief. Post-traumatic epilepsy requires specific neurological assessment and follow-up.

Assessment and care

• Global motor rehabilitation aimed at restoring normal motor patterns: analytical work on weak muscle groups, functional exercises reproducing daily life gestures, strength and endurance recovery.
• Intensive balance and proprioception work: exercises on unstable platforms, vestibular rehabilitation if necessary, work on automatic balance reactions to secure walking.
• Motor function recovery through neuroplasticity stimulation: repetitive task-oriented exercises, constraint-induced therapy if appropriate, upper limb and gait rehabilitation.
• Readaptation to daily living activities: training in transfers, mobility, personal care tasks. Work in collaboration with occupational therapist for home adaptation.

This information does not replace diagnosis or medical consultation.