What is non-traumatic brain injury?
Non-traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by a process inside the body, without external force. Together with traumatic brain injury, it falls under acquired brain injury (ABI).
The difference from traumatic brain injury
In traumatic brain injury, a blow, fall or accident is the cause. In non-traumatic brain injury, the cause is internal. That difference matters, because treatment in the first phase is mainly aimed at that underlying cause.
A common condition
In the Netherlands, tens of thousands of people sustain acquired brain injury every year. A large proportion of it is non-traumatic, with stroke as the main cause. The consequences can have a major impact on work, relationships and independence.
Causes and risk factors
- Stroke: in an ischaemic stroke, a blood clot blocks a blood vessel; in a brain haemorrhage, a blood vessel ruptures. In both cases, brain tissue receives too little oxygen. Read more about rehabilitation after a stroke.
- Infections and inflammation: such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Lack of oxygen: for example after cardiac arrest, drowning or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Tumours: a tumour can put pressure on surrounding brain tissue.
- Metabolic disorders and poisoning: such as severe blood sugar dysregulation or long-term alcohol misuse.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Cognitive and physical symptoms
Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking and less overview. Physically, loss of strength, balance problems, fatigue and sleep problems can occur.
Emotional and behavioural changes
Low mood, anxiety, irritability or impulsivity. The way someone interacts with others can also change.
Diagnosis
Doctors use physical and neurological examination, imaging such as MRI and CT, and neuropsychological tests to map the cause and the consequences.
Recovery and rehabilitation
The acute phase is often followed by rehabilitation with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation. Recovery is usually fastest in the first months, but can continue for years.
Hyperbaric oxygen as a complement
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) makes much more oxygen dissolve in the blood. Researchers are investigating whether this can support recovery processes in brain tissue with reduced blood flow, also in the chronic phase. The first studies are interesting, but small. HBOT is not a recognised conventional treatment for non-traumatic brain injury. Please note: carbon monoxide poisoning is an acute emergency and is treated in hospital.
Support at The Oxygen Wellness Lab
We draw up a personal plan, combine HBOT with light therapy where appropriate and measure progress with cognitive tests and (Q)EEG. We work together with Carpus and neuropsychologist Jeanine Jansen MSc. We are not doctors and always work as a complement to your conventional care.
In a free intake consultation we discuss what suits your situation.
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. We are not doctors. If you have symptoms, always contact your GP or specialist.
