Enhancing Quality of Life with TBI Therapy

TBI therapy focuses on restoring cognitive, physical, and emotional function after a brain injury. Through personalized treatment, it helps individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. It can also result from an object that fractures the skull, leading to varying degrees of brain damage.

  • Mild TBI: Temporarily affects brain cells.

  • Severe TBI: Can cause bruising, torn tissues, bleeding, and long-term complications.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may be physical, sensory, cognitive, or behavioral, appearing immediately or developing over time.

Mild TBI Symptoms

Physical:

  • Headache

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Fatigue or drowsiness

  • Dizziness or loss of balance

  • Speech difficulties

Sensory:

  • Blurred vision, ringing in ears, or changes in smell/taste

  • Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive & Behavioral:

  • Confusion, disorientation

  • Memory or concentration issues

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

  • Sleep disturbances

Moderate to Severe TBI Symptoms

Includes all mild TBI symptoms, plus:

Physical:

  • Loss of consciousness (minutes to hours)

  • Persistent or worsening headache

  • Repeated vomiting, seizures

  • Dilated pupils, fluid drainage from nose/ears

  • Weakness or numbness in limbs

  • Loss of coordination

Cognitive & Behavioral:

  • Profound confusion

  • Agitation or unusual behavior

  • Slurred speech

  • Coma or disorders of consciousness

Symptoms in Children

Infants and young children may not be able to communicate their symptoms. Watch for:

  • Changes in eating, sleeping, or attention span

  • Unusual irritability or persistent crying

  • Loss of interest in toys or activities

  • Seizures

Seek immediate medical attention for any suspected TBI.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can result from various incidents, including:

  • Falls: The leading cause, especially in children and older adults.

  • Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and bicycle collisions.

  • Violence: Gunshots, domestic abuse, child abuse (e.g., shaken baby syndrome).

  • Sports Injuries: Football, boxing, hockey, skateboarding, etc.

  • Combat Injuries: Explosions, shrapnel wounds, and direct blows to the head.

Risk Factors

People at higher risk of TBI include:

  • Infants (0-4 years old)

  • Young adults (15-24 years old)

  • Adults over 60

  • Males in any age group

Prevention Strategies

General Safety Tips

  • Wear Seat Belts: Always buckle up in vehicles.

  • Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment.

  • Use Helmets: Essential for biking, skateboarding, sports, and riding ATVs.

  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like smartphones while driving or walking.

Preventing Falls (Especially for Older Adults)

  • Install handrails in bathrooms and staircases.

  • Use non-slip mats in showers.

  • Improve home lighting and keep floors clear of clutter.

  • Get regular vision checkups and stay active to maintain balance.

Protecting Children

  • Use safety gates at stairways.

  • Install window guards to prevent falls.

  • Ensure playground surfaces have shock-absorbing materials.

Treatment and Recovery at the nCenter

At the nCenter, we offer specialized programs to aid TBI recovery and help clients return to normal functioning.

Neurostimulation Therapies

At the nCenter, we use non-invasive neurostimulation techniques such as:

  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

  • Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)

  • Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS)

These therapies apply a weak electrical current to the scalp, helping modulate brain activity and improve:

  • Motor Function

  • Cognitive Abilities (attention, memory retrieval)

  • Mood and Emotional Regulation

  • Neuroplasticity (enhancing the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections)

The nCenter also uses neurofeedback modalities like Narbis and LENS plus Vielight, and Mendi modalities to optimize brain function after a TBI.

Nutritional Support for Brain Recovery

Working with the nCenter’s functional medicine nutritionist, Candice Vann, can aid recovery through a brain-healthy diet.

Recommended Brain-Boosting Foods:

  • Berries: Flavonoids in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries improve memory.

  • Green Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, and collards are rich in vitamin K, which slows cognitive decline.

  • Fatty Fish: Salmon, herring, mackerel, and trout are high in omega-3s, which help remove beta-amyloid linked to Alzheimer’s.

  • Walnuts: Provide protein and healthy fats that enhance memory and focus.

  • Coffee/Tea: Caffeine has been shown to improve mental focus.

Challenges with Eating After TBI

Many TBI survivors struggle with eating regularly due to:

  • Loss of taste or smell

  • Memory and attention deficits

  • Depression or anxiety affecting appetite

  • Lack of hunger cues due to brain-gut miscommunication

A nutritionally dense diet is essential for brain recovery, and Candice can help ensure proper nutrition.

Additional Support at the nCenter

Recovery from a TBI can be challenging. Along with neurostimulation, neurofeedback and nutrition services, working with a psychotherapist can aid emotional and mental adjustment.

Available Psychotherapists:

Therapy can help individuals manage emotional changes, cope with cognitive difficulties, and rebuild confidence in daily life.

For more information on how the nCenter can support your TBI recovery, reach out today!