Although mild traumatic brain injury is commonly associated with vehicular accidents and work-related injuries, such as slips and falls, similar neurocognitive symptoms may occur with even subtle brain dysfunction resulting from a variety of other sources such as environmental toxins, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy.
Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury can be segregated into three categories: physical/somatic problems, cognitive dysfunctions, and emotional/personality difficulties. Physical/somatic problems feature dizziness; vertigo; fatigue; blurred vision; vomiting; sleep disturbance; tinnitus; heightened sensitivity to light and/or noise; headaches; decreased libido; and seizures. Cognitive dysfunctions may include impaired complex thinking processes; decreased speed in processesing information; forgetfulness; impaired attention and concentration; difficulties organizing; short-term memory loss; difficulty finding a desired word; word substitutions and reversal. Emotional/personality symptoms may manifest as mood lability; depression; anger; feeling overstimulated and/or overloaded; low tolerance of frustration; anxiety; irritability; impatience and explosive temper.
Current modes of diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury include history, neurological exam, CAT and MRI scans, standard EEGs, and neuropsychological testing. The majority of these standard tests turn up result well within normal limits, however the patients complain of significant neurocognitive dysfunction. Of the tools identified to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury, neurological testing is the most commonly utilized to recognize cognitive functioning, and also one of the manners which should not be solely relied on. Neuropsychological test interpretation possesses considerable variability and subjectivity. In addition, many neuropsychological exams possess a low range in which pre-morbidly high-functioning patients may still score in the normal range. These neuropsychological exams therefore, are not sensitive enough to measure decreases in cognitive function, also accounting for inaccuracies and/or inability to identify mild injuries.
Traditional modes of treatment of mild traumatic brain injury include early intervention; professional support; vocational counseling; work skills training; education; group, marital, familial and individual therapy; coping skills training and multidisciplinary psychological rehabilitation.
Cognitive rehabilitation can be segmented into two general categories: functional and generic. Functional rehabilitation is aimed at training skills required for daily living, and other practical functioning skills. Generic rehabilitation aims at refining cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem solving abilities.
EEG neurofeedback training is quickly emerging as a promising treatment approach for mild traumatic head injury, through its demonstrated ability to train brain wave rhythms through the use of operant conditioning.