In children, traumatic brain injury
(TBI) is not a result of genetic issues. There are no prenatal factors or
issues that will cause a child to be at higher risk for developing a TBI. Brain
damage can occur in the event of a complicated birth, such as a breach birth or
lack of oxygen to the infant. Usually a TBI occurs due to the environment the
child is raised in and subjected to. TBI is often found in children and young
adults that are victims of abuse, gun shot wounds and physical
altercations/accidents. The main issues that a child with a TBI might
experience are issues with attention, memory and learning. Children suffering
from a brain injury that results in a comatose state for twenty-four hours or
more are more susceptible to intellectual disabilities (ID).
A traumatic brain injury to a child
or young adult can result in deficits in one or more of the following areas;
intelligence, executive functions, academic, perceptual, psychosocial, memory
and family relationships. Damage to the left hemisphere of the brain will cause
problems with speech and language. Psychosocial issues include changes in
personality and increased psychiatric disorders. Deficits in executive
functions include impulsivity, attention deficits, excessive verbalizations,
insensitivity and socially inappropriate behaviors. Perceptual deficits are
dependent upon the severity of the injury.
Is there any way to prevent a tbi due to birth complications? In other words is there any way they can better prepare for a child to be born with a tbi such as sonograms later in the pregnancy or a c-section?
ReplyDeleteDavid would be more versed in this since he studying it specifically.... but this is a good question Samantha. During sonograms, doctors can estimate quite well the "head size" of the fetus. Based on the baby's positioning and the size of the mother; if the baby has not dropped into the birth canal properly in preparation for birthing; etc.... I would think that this is when they would choose to do a C-Section as the risk of harm to the baby is too great versus a vaginal birth.
ReplyDeleteThis is true Professor, but at times a C-Section is not possible if something happens last minute during the birthing process. If the baby is breached or the size of the head is too large, most times the doctor could pick up on this in time and intervene. Some issues during delivery also involve problems with the umbilical cord and lack of oxygen. Lack of oxygen to the brain is a large cause of brain injuries.
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