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Cognitive Challenges:

Trouble paying attention or focusing

Memory problems

Slower thinking & problem solving

Difficulty understanding or processing information

Physical Challenges:

Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue

Trouble with balance and coordination

Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch

Speech or motor difficulties

Emotional & Behavioral Challenges:

Mood swings and frustration

Anxiety or depression

Impulsive behavior

Trouble with social skills

Every child with a TBI is different, and their challenges depend on the severity of the injury.

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Gathering Information:

Healthcare providers will start by asking about the details of the injury, including what caused impact, loss of consciousness, and are there any immediate symptoms.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS):

This tool is used to assess the severity of TBI, by evaluating eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:

A CT scan is often the first imaging test performed in an emergency room to quickly visualize/find fractures, bleeding in the brain, blood clots, and bruised brain tissue.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

MRI provides more detailed images of the brain than CT scans and can be used to assess brain damage.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow, bump, which can result in temporary or permanent changes in brain function.

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Extra time to complete tests or assignments

Breaking down lessons into smaller steps

Providing printed notes or allowing recording of lessons

Frequent breaks during learning activities

Quiet area to avoid distractions and sensory issues

Peer support

Low stimulation

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Behavioral Management & Social Strategies 

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Behavioral Management & Social Strategies 

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Since TBI can affect behavior and social skills, students may need help interacting with others and managing emotions.

Clear Routines: Keeping a predictable schedule to reduce anxiety

Positive reinforcement: Encouraging every step of progress

Allowing time to cool down if overwhelmed.

Pairing the student with a supportive classmate

Small group work

Regular check ins: Teachers and parents working together to ensure/monitor progress

Counseling services

Staff training: Educating teachers about TBI to better support students.

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TBI: This is the standard abbreviation for "traumatic brain injury".

mTBI: This stands for "mild traumatic brain injury," which is often used interchangeably with "concussion".

ABI: Acquired Brain Injury refers to damage to the brain that occurs after birth.

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National Level:

BrainLine: Brainline is a national multimedia project offering information and resources about preventing, treating, and living with TBI. It provides parents with articles, personal stories, expert interviews, and webcasts to help them understand and support their child's recovery and educational journey.

State Level:

Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC): BIANC offers a variety of resources for families dealing with TBIs, including educational materials, support groups, and advocacy services. They provide a family Help line as well for personalized assistance and guidance on navigating the struggles associated with children with TBIs.

Local Level:

Family Intervention Services of North Carolina (FIFNC): FIFNC provides educational presentations, workshops, and support networks for individuals with TBIs and their families. They focus on creating community connections and offering personalized resources to the unique needs of families in the Greenville area.

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National Level:

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA): BIAA is a leading national organization providing extensive information about brain injuries, including TBIs. Their resources include educational materials, training programs, and advocacy tools designed to help educators in supporting students with TBIs.

State Level:

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI): NCDPI offers a range of resources tailored for educators working with students with exceptional needs, including those with TBIs. Their website provides information on accessible educational materials, disability specific resources, and professional development opportunities to enhance teachers ability to support students.

Local Level:

Trillium Health Resources: Serving the Greenville area, Trillium Health Resources provide support for individuals with TBIs. They offer guidance on accessing services, educational strategies. and connecting with local support networks.

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References

Ewing-Cobbs, L., & Barnes, M. (2002). Linguistic outcomes following traumatic brain injury in children. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 9(3), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.1053/spen.2002.35502

Lumba-Brown, A., Yeates, K. O., Sarmiento, K., Breiding, M. J., Haegerich, T. M., Gioia, G. A., Turner, M., Benzel, E. C., Suskauer, S. J., Giza, C. C., Joseph, M., Broomand, C., Weissman, B., Gordon, W., Wright, D. W., Moser, R. S., McAvoy, K., Ewing-Cobbs, L., Duhaime, A.-C., & Putukian, M. (2018). Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Children: A Systematic Review. JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), e182847–e182847. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.2847

Resources for Educators | NC DPI. (2020). Nc.gov. https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/resources-for-educators?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Schachar, R. J., Park, L. S., & Dennis, M. (2015). Mental Health Implications of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Children and Youth. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 24(2), 100. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4558980/

Tal, G., & Tirosh, E. (2013). Rehabilitation of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Critical Review. Pediatric Neurology, 48(6), 424–431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.11.008

Things to Know About Brain Injury in Children | BIAA. (2025, March 26). Brain Injury Association of America. https://biausa.org/public-affairs/media/brain-injury-children

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Trillium Health Resources. (2025, March 18). Trilliumhealthresources.org. https://www.trilliumhealthresources.org/members-recipients/intellectual-developmental-disabilities-idd/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi?utm_source=chatgpt.com