Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

(Often misdiagnosed as: ADD, ADHD, ODD, LD, ASD, Aspergers, Developmental Delay, – Dr. Paul Swingle, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, even Bipolar – Dr. William Goldie)

Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) During Childhood (a.k.a. Closed Head Injury)

There seems to be vastly more known about this condition among scientists and brain specialists than there is among the general population, including parents, and many front-line health-care providers and educators. This is very unfortunate for the children and families affected as it often results in missed/misdiagnosis of the actual condition underlying the resulting behavior and learning problems.

Granted, brain science has made many discoveries over the last two decades. Unfortunately, it can take many years for this information to filter down to our already overburdened health care system. Consequently, we strive to provide current information, through our articles listed below, to assist you in understanding the following:

The many ways a child can acquire a TBI and at different ages
The symptoms of mild to moderate TBI (mild a.k.a. "closed head injury")
The impact on a child's long-term future if not effectively handled
(see Ryan's Story)
Effective Treatments (see Neurotherapy)

It is crucial that you are aware of the above in order to protect your child from injury to the best of your ability and to find accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in the event of a trauma or series of traumas. The sooner the treatment the better, but even many years later, substantial gains can be made, if you know where to go for help. Awareness as always is the first step.

News Articles:

August 16, 2007, New York Times: Head Injuries in Football
July 19, 2007, The Vancouver Sun on hockey TBIs: A Lasting Trauma

For other sports and TBI info see Recent Studies: Brain Science