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.