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Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury is a kind of injury that's caused by a violent injury to the brain. These can be classified with a scale from mild to profound and more profound traumatic brain injuries result in permanent disability. A traumatic brain injury results in long term complications or death if they are severe.

Characteristics

Characteristics of a Traumatic Brain Injury include:

  • Headaches

  • Convulsions/seizures

  • Blurred/double vision

  • Unequal pupil size or dialation

  • Clear fluids draining from the nose

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Recent neurological issues affecting speech and movement

  • Loss/changed/decreased level of consciousness

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Problems with memory and concentration

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Frustration/irritability

  • Lightheadedness/dizziness/loss of balance

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Unexplained bad taste in mouth

  • Sensitivity to light or sound

  • Feeling anxious and depressed

Accomodations

  • Adjusted light fixtures

  • Change of office space/location to reduce distraction

  • Desk organization tools such as filing cabinets, labels, binders

  • Timers and watches

  • Job coaches

  • Noise canceling headphones/earplugs

  • Restructure job schedule or hours

  • Telework if needed

  • Clear verbal written instructions and deadlines from supervisors and colleagues

  • Uninterrupted and frequent breaks

  • Assistive technology with organizational software and apps

  • Additional time to complete tasks

Sources/Resources:

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi

Job Accomodation Network: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Brain-Injury.cfm

Brain Injury Association: https://biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/nbiic/requesting-job-accommodations-after-brain-injury

Brainline: https://www.brainline.org/article/accommodations-guide-students-brain-injury

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