Head Injury Treatment (HIT): Protocol and Physical Therapy

Abstract

Physical manifestations vary from subject to subject as well as genetic risk factors when considering traumatic brain injury (TBI)/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and recovery. Clinical and behavioral findings may resemble autism that appear with limited mobility and the physical experience may impact treatment. Ataxia, weakness, hemiplegia, hemiparesis are among them. Novel therapy uncovered physical correlations between subject's presentation and physicality with relief and progress when movement and sound are present and monitored during a case study of an adult male with acute head injury from blunt force trauma reported previously. Namely, the release of soft tissue trigger points relieves stress held in the regions affected through soft tissue trigger points stimuli. The occipital attachments for the extensor muscles and positive responses were noted with the stimulation of these regions with effleurage or cross fiber friction and stripping. Vertigo or nausea affecting equilibrium might present as physical displays of deviations of the ability to control balance. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV, vestibular migraines or Broca’s aphasia, are among other presentations affecting one's balance and need to be considered during treatment. Challenging desensitization or flooding and habituation with compensatory strategies are required to maintain safety and autonomy of daily living ADL while providing relief when other therapies fall short. One must not underestimate the commitment needed during pre-diagnosis or when diagnosing a disability of head injury by evaluating for other risk factors. This may include advanced genetic testing for potential genes that may contribute to brain injury and recovery. Brain imaging may also be required to assess the location and severity that may impact treatment approaches and recovery responses.