Brain Injury: Complications and Medical Problems Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago-Brain Injury Team, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE CENTER (page 2 of 2) Page 2 of 2

Spasticity

This is one of the most common problems faced by people with brain injuries. In this situation, certain muscles of the body are tight or hypertonic because they cannot fully relax. For instance, the elbow can be bent almost completely, so that the hand is almost to the shoulder. If one tried to straighten the elbow out, it would be extremely difficult because of the tightness. Spasticity prevents the person from using the body part and can be painful. Besides, even when the person would be unable to use the body part anyway, for instance, because it is paralyzed, the spasticity can interfere with the ability of another to provide care. For example, if the elbow is bent as described earlier, it may be impossible to dress the patient or even clean the crook of the elbow.

Therapies play a crucial role in the treatment of spasticity. In addition, the patient may be started on a medicine to help relax the muscles. Other treatment options are nerve block, botulinum toxin injections and surgery.

Other Problems

Issues with respiratory care including tracheostomies, feeding and nutrition including feeding tubes, swallowing problems including aspiration, bowel and bladder management and skin breakdown are covered in other sections of this guide.

Copyright 2008 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE Center. Reprinted with permission. www.ric.org.

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