Slurred Speech After Head Injury: Why It Occurs and How to Improve

Slurred speech is a common effect of head injury. Fortunately, by working with a speech therapist, individuals can learn effective ways to become a better communicator or overcome slurring altogether. What Causes Slurred Speech After Head Injury? Slurred speech after a head injury is called dysarthria. It occurs when the areas of the brain that control the muscles used for speech are damaged, leaving the muscles for speech weak or paralyzed. As a result, individuals may know exactly what they want to say, but struggle to say the words clearly. Damage to various areas of the brain can cause slurred speech, including: Motor cortex: affects voluntary muscle movement Cerebellum: affects...

Nystagmus After Head Injury: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Nystagmus refers to a secondary effect of head injury that causes the eyes to make rapid, uncontrolled movements. It usually occurs after cerebellar damage. Vestibular disorders can also sometimes cause nystagmus. This article will help you understand the causes and signs of nystagmus after a head injury. We’ll also cover some exercises that can reduce nystagmus if it is caused by inner ear problems. Causes of Nystagmus After Head Injury Nystagmus, also known as “dancing eyes,” causes involuntary, rapid eye movements in one or both eyes. It occurs when the part of the brain that controls eye positioning does not function correctly. Although there...

Perseveration After Brain Injury: Understanding Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors

Perseveration after brain injury can cause someone to continuously repeat actions, words, or thoughts. It is thought to occur due to changes in memory, attention, and cognition after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Today’s article will explain the causes and types of perseveration after TBI. We’ll also discuss how family members can help their loved ones manage their behaviors. Definition and Causes of Perseveration Perseveration is a thought disorder that causes multiple repetitions of a word, phrase, or gesture after they have stopped being appropriate. It also involves the inability to shift goals or tasks when required. Perseveration after brain injury is caused by damage...

Overstimulation After Brain Injury: How to Overcome Sensory Overload

If you have ever experienced sensory overload after brain injury, you are not alone. Hypersensitivity to stimulation often occurs after TBI because your brain is scrambling to reorganize and stabilize itself. As a result, even just a little bit of stimulation may overwhelm the brain. This article will explore the causes of overstimulation after brain injury and share some effective ways to cope. Causes of Sensory Overload After Brain Injury Sensory overload is also referred to as sensory defensiveness and describes “a tendency to react negatively or with alarm to sensory input that is generally considered harmless or non-irritating.” Many factors can contribute to sensory overload...

Spasticity After TBI: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Spasticity is an uncontrolled stiffening of muscles caused by a disruption of signals from the brain. The onset of spasticity after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often rapid, occurring as early as one week following the brain injury. Because spasticity is a problem that is rooted within the brain, treatments must engage neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural repair mechanism, in order to be effective. In this article, you will learn more about the causes of spasticity after TBI, plus the best ways to treat it. You will also discover how to treat muscles that have been affected by spasticity. Causes of Spasticity After TBI Spasticity is...