Defining ADHD in Light of Brain Injuries

Defining ADHD in Light of Brain Injuries

brain injury adhd

According to the most recent studies, experts define ADHD as a developmental disorder affecting proper use of executive functions. One can think of executive functions as the brain’s “command center,” controlling focus, organization, memory, action, and effort. In short, it is the self-management system of the brain that is tasked with operating unconscious decisions in daily life. As a developmental disorder with a hereditary component, ADHD will present itself as the brain is maturing in childhood. ADHD symptoms are chronic and will often interfere with daily functioning in routine tasks. However, these impairments are situation-dependent. For instance, one with ADHD may show reduced symptoms for an extremely exciting and adrenaline-inducing task, but show carelessness for more mundane, yet essential, tasks.

One of the controversial questions facing experts is: is it possible for adults to develop ADHD later in life if it is truly a developmental disorder? What is definitely true is that adults with no childhood ADHD will report ADHD symptoms later in life: problems starting tasks and projects, estimating time, prioritizing schedule, and completing work without procrastination. Specifically, adults that have experienced menopause or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to present with ADHD-like symptoms. Regardless if one wishes to define these cases as ADHD, it is true that events preceding and during adulthood can affect brain function and chemical balance enough to severely impair executive functions. However, treating an adult with TBI and ADHD-like symptoms may add an extra layer of considerations and complexity. For instance, a lot of traditional ADHD treatments may exacerbate TBI symptoms and make the overall condition worse.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research links TBI with ADHD-like symptoms by interviewing patients in Ontario, Canada. However, the results are not black and white. Some interpret the data and conclude that TBI’s influence the brain’s chemical and structural makeup lead to ADHD-like symptoms. TBI, in these cases, transform one’s psycho-neurological makeup leading to ADHD in adults. Other doctors, however, argue that ADHD patients are more likely to partake in high risk behavior that would lead to TBI’s in the first place. It is a classic debate of the chicken and the egg. Proper classification can be tricky, as both TBI and ADHD exhibit symptoms such as impulsive behavior, memory impairment, organization, and use of executive functions. One who is experiencing ADHD symptoms with a TBI should seek professional consultation to make sure both are treated sufficiently without stressing one or the other.

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

The post Defining ADHD in Light of Brain Injuries appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Defining ADHD in Light of Brain Injuries

How Do You Know If You Have A Concussion?

How Do You Know If You Have A Concussion?

concussion - what a neuropsychologist can do for you? brain injury

The dreaded “C-word” is thrown around in everyday life, most notably in sports. However, many can be left unsure if they have a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Often, there are often no physical signs during a concussion. The most important thing to understand about a concussion is that it is a brain injury and, as a consequence, must be caused by direct or indirect impact on the brain. Brain injury caused by factors other than impact, such as an infection or blood supply to brain, are not concussions.

Well, then how do you know if you have a concussion? All concussions involve a traumatic impact to the head accompanied  by either loss of consciousness (LOC), alteration of consciousness,post traumatic amnesia or focal neurological signs. These are telltale signs that you should be concerned about the prospect of a concussion. However, an important rule of thumb is to seriously consider the possibility of a concussion anytime impact to the head is involved. As stated previously, a concussion is caused by physical injury to the brain. Note that impact can caused by collision between the brain and the skull, which is possible during periods of rapid acceleration changes (such as car accidents). When evaluating for signs of concussion, keep in mind that not all concussions are the same. Therefore, a two people with concussions may experience completely different symptoms. Moreover, the length, onset, and severity of symptoms is rarely, if ever, the same. Since some of the symptoms of a concussion can present weeks after the initial impact, it is important to continue to monitor symptoms beyond the immediate aftermath of an injury.

Often, children and adults will complain about “not feeling themselves.” The following are additional common symptoms of a concussion:

*Persistent headaches

*Difficulty or slowness in remembering, concentrating, making decisions, thinking, speaking, acting, or reading

*Confusion

*Low energy

*Fluctuations in mood

*Disrupted sleep patterns

*Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance

*Nausea

*Sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions

*Compromised vision, smell, or taste

*Ringing in the ears

If you or loved one are suspicious of having a concussion, make an appointment for professional evaluation right away. This will help avoid further damage. For employees and athletes, professional guidance is crucial to “return to the field.”

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with brain injuries. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

The post How Do You Know If You Have A Concussion? appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.


Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
How Do You Know If You Have A Concussion?