Dec 21, 2022 9:58:24 AM
Did you know each year around 1.5 million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury? Not only is the individual's brain impacted, but their sense of balance, as well.
The brain and balance are connected and often need to be examined together. If you have mobility issues and need help, keep reading.
This guide will teach you balance problems after a traumatic brain injury.
Learn more below.
Output and Input of Information
Remaining balanced and coordinated is a continual process. Your ears, eyes, skin, muscles, and pressure sensors send info to the brain about your position. Specifically, information gets sent to the cerebellum and brainstem.
The cerebellum and brainstem are at the base of the brain and the back of your head. The brainstem integrates information from the different muscles, pressure sensors, and sense organs.
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Together with the cerebellum, it will determine how the body responds. The brain might tell the muscles to tighten, while others get the message to relax.
It might also send near-instant messages through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. This is between the eyes and the inner ear. This allows the eyes to keep up with sudden changes so you can still see where you're going.
Balance Problem and Underlying Factors
How bad your balance issue is will depend on the extent of the brain damage.
Your doctor will consider the location of the brain and other comorbid injuries. You might also be dealing with rib or leg fractures or a spinal injury if you suggested a TBI.
These different injuries will affect how you maintain your balance.
Defining a Balance
Your ability to balance keeps your body Center we over your feet. Someone's ability to balance's determined by their coordination, strength, and cognitive ability.
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Most people maintain their body movements in a particular range before losing balance. Adjusting your posture to keep your balance before, during, and after is quite complex. And is a process often harmed after a brain injury.
Maintaining Your Balance
If you don't have an excellent balance, you could become at risk of falling again. Some people end up hurting themselves or sustaining another brain injury.
Keeping your balance while standing and sitting is essential for different tasks.
The poor balance will actually prevent you from doing all kinds of activities.
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What Treatment Is Available?
Your team will have different interventions available to aid with balance problems.
Some of these things include how to determine a balance limit. A therapist will teach you movements to help you transition from standing to sitting.
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You will also learn how to sit at a high enough level. Therapy will also instruct patients on how to stand safely and reach objects at a high level.
Patients working with a PT on flexibility and strength in their lower body will help decrease the risk of falls.
Learn how to care for your physical and mental health after a TBI.
Power of Patients® Will Help You or a Loved One With Balance Problems
Did you find this guide helpful on the connection between the brain and your balance problems? Recovering from a TBI isn't a straightforward process. However, with the right provider, therapy, and support, you can heal.
Consider checking out our free app for more help and support today.