Traumatic Brain Injury And Assistive Technology: Devices To Aid Individuals With TBI In Daily Activities

By Jean Stael For Klarity Health Library

During a traumatic incident, external forces may impact the brain, leading to traumatic brain injury. The most common incidents are falls, auto accidents, sports injuries, and assaults. Depending on the severity it may impair brain functions and cause neuronal deficits.¹ These deficits have a great impact on the daily lives of TBI survivors.² There is still ongoing research for new medicines and therapies to improve the lives of people with sequelae of TBI. And fortunately, we are in the era of technology. We are now more equipped with useful tools to make traumatic brain injury survivors live better. These tools are made to assist TBI individuals in their daily activities, enhance communication, and support cognitive functions.³ In this article we will explore the significance of assistive technology for people with TBI. We will examine the types of devices available, their benefits, and their impact on TBI survivors’ lives.

What is traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when an external force injures the brain. According to studies, it is the second leading cause of disability in the world. Damage in the brain associated with TBA falls into 2 categories:

• Primary TBA happens during the impact for example during a fall a car accident or an impact penetration object
• Secondly with a brain injury that develops a few times after the initial impact. In this case, it may be due to swelling or oedema, bleeding in or around the brain, or an infection if the brain or skull is penetrated.⁴

Depending on the severity and the damaged area TBI can cause temporary or short-term problems with normal brain function. It may alter the way an individual thinks, understands, moves, communicates, and acts. More serious TBI can lead to severe and permanent disability and even death.⁴ People with TBI can experience various symptoms ranging from cognition, sensation, or perception to physical deficit. Short and long-term effects of post-brain injury include but are not limited to:

1. Cognition and behavioral
   • Diminished attention span, 
   • Memory impairment and Forgetfulness
   • Impaired decision-making
   • Difficulty with abstract thinking 
   • Reduced self-awareness
   • Language difficulties
   • Personality or psychiatric changes
2. Sensation/Perception
   • Alterations in sensory perception (hearing, taste, smell or touch)
   • Difficulty understanding the positions of limbs in the body
   • Vision problems, including double vision, lack of visual acuity, or limited range of vision
   • Light-headedness, Dizziness
   • Loss of balance or coordination
3. Physical Deficits
   • Difficulties with daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
   • Problems with organization, shopping, or paying bills
   • Neurologic deficits, such as slurred speech; weakness of arms, legs, or face; loss of balance^5,6

Assistive technology for TBI

In today’s modern age assistive technology plays a crucial role in people with TBI. There are numerous tools available to assist people with TBI. Their goals are to enhance independence, improve quality of life, and facilitate rehabilitation and recovery. These tools provide support in daily activities, communication, and mobility. They empower TBI patients to perform tasks independently, boosting self-esteem and reducing caregiver reliance. Here are some of them.

1. Cognitive Aids

In people with TBI cognitive disabilities are very common. Cognitive impairments make it harder for them to carry out daily duties. And many young individuals who survive TBI have many years of productivity ahead of them.⁷ Assistive technology for Cognition(ATCs) like digital organizers, reminders, and brain training apps provide great support to TBI survivors. Studies show that using ATCs improves a person’s ability to do tasks regardless of age, the severity of a traumatic brain injury, or the amount of time after the damage.⁷

These technologies help them manage daily tasks and improve cognitive function. They assist with planning, memory, and organization skills. Digital organizers like Dayclock Pro and reminder apps like Medisafe app help users keep track of appointments, medications, and other activities. They enhance TBI patient autonomy by reducing the on others for such duties. Additionally, brain training apps support neuroplasticity in addition to therapy.

2. Communication Devices

We exist because we socialize. Few communication devices are valuable technologies for struggling with verbal expression from TBI post-injury. They include speech-generating devices, text-to-speech software, and more. These devices help them convey their needs, thoughts, and emotions with clarity. The Lightwriter SL50 speech-generating device and text-to-speech software like ClaroRead, are two great examples. The Lightwriter SL50 allows the user to type its message and have it spoken out loud. It features integrated word prediction and saved phrases to make the process faster. This way they reduce isolation and frustration related to speech impairment complications associated with TBI.

3. Mobility Aids 

For Individuals with neurologic deficits in the limbs, mobility aids help navigate their environments more easily and safely. Technology like motorized wheelchairs, walkers, and canes are the most common. In the UK there are motorized wheelchairs like the Invacare TDX SP2, walkers like the Drive DeVilbiss Nitro Rollator, and canes such as the HurryCane to name a few. These devices allow increased mobility and independence and also reduce the risk of falls and injuries for TBI patients. This way they can move around their home and communities with greater confidence.

4. Environmental Control Systems:

Environmental control systems are smart home technologies that empower individuals with TBI to manage their home environment more effectively. These systems allow users to control lighting, temperature, appliances, and security systems with ease. For TBI patients, such technology provides greater autonomy and comfort within their living spaces. By increasing control over their surroundings, environmental control systems reduce dependency on caregivers and enhance the safety and convenience of the home environment, thereby improving the overall quality of life in the UK, including smart home technologies like the Hive Active Heating and adaptive switches such as the SimplyWorks range.

5. Daily Living Aids

Daily living aids available in the UK, such as adaptive utensils like the Good Grips cutlery and dressing aids such as the Buckingham Bra-Angel, facilitate the performance of personal care tasks for individuals with TBI. These devices are designed to make everyday activities like eating, dressing, and grooming more manageable and less time-consuming. For TBI patients, the use of daily living aids enhances their ability to care for themselves independently. This self-sufficiency not only improves their self-esteem but also contributes to a more dignified and comfortable lifestyle, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

Challenges and considerations

One of the biggest hurdles with assistive technology for TBI patients is making it accessible and affordable. Many devices are expensive, and not everyone can pay for them. Even when patients get these tools, they often struggle with learning how to use them. Training can be tough, and not everyone adapts quickly. Plus, each person has unique needs as they may be affected differently by TBI. For example, someone with speech impairments may also find it difficult to write on a speech-generating device.

There are also issues with the technology itself. Devices can break down or become outdated, so regular maintenance and updates are necessary. Technical challenges are not only among patients. Some medical professionals may find technologies difficult to use because they are not trained in them.⁸  

Conclusion

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in helping individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) manage daily activities. These devices boost independence and improve quality of life. They provide essential support for mobility, communication, cognitive tasks, and daily living. With tools like motorized wheelchairs, speech-generating devices, digital organizers, and adaptive utensils, individuals with TBI can regain control over many aspects of their lives. This increased autonomy may enhance their self-esteem and allow them to participate more fully in social, recreational, and occupational activities.

Despite some challenges like cost, training, and maintenance, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Also, each person’s journey with TBI is unique, and tailored solutions can address specific challenges effectively. With the right assistive technology, people with TBI can lead more fulfilling lives, achieving greater independence and a better quality of life.

FAQs

What are five assistive devices for TBI?

Five assistive devices for traumatic brain injury (TBI) include motorized wheelchairs,

speech-generating devices, digital organizers, adaptive utensils, and smart home technologies. Each device plays a role in improving the lives of TBI survivors. Motorized wheelchairs can help individuals move around easily and speech-generating devices allow them to communicate effectively. Also, digital organizers keep track of appointments and tasks while adaptive utensils make eating easier. Lastly, smart home technologies let individuals control their home environment with ease.

What are the goals of AAC for TBI?

The goals of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for TBI focus on improving communication. AAC helps individuals express their needs and thoughts clearly. It aims to enhance social interactions and relationships. AAC tools boost confidence by making communication easier. They also support independence in daily activities. Ultimately, AAC strives to improve the overall quality of life for people with TBI.

How to support someone with traumatic brain injury?

To support someone with a traumatic brain injury, you can offer patience and understanding. Help them with daily tasks and remind them of important things. Encourage them to use assistive devices and therapy. Be there to listen and offer emotional support. Make their environment safe and comfortable. Your support can make a big difference in their recovery.

References 

1. Traumatic brain injury [Internet]. [cited 7 juin 2024]. Available at: https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/traumatic-brain-injury/
2. . Ärzteblatt DÄG Redaktion Deutsches. Deutsches Ärzteblatt. [cité 12 juin 2024]. The long-term sequelae of traumatic brain injury over 10 years of follow-up(21.04.2023). Disponible sur: https://www.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article?id=230730g
3. Johnson K, Harniss M. Assistive technology in traumatic brain injury. In: Zollman F, editor. Manual of traumatic brain injury: assessment and management. 2nd ed. New York: Demos Medical; 2016.
4. Ng SY, Lee AYW. Traumatic brain injuries: pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Neurosci [Internet].  Nov 27 , 2019 [cited june 9 2024];13. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00528
5. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | national institute of neurological disorders and stroke [Internet]. [cited june 9 2024]. Available at  sur: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi.
6. Traumatic brain injury [Internet]. [cited june 10 2024]. Available atr: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traumatic-brain-injury
7. Leopold A, Lourie A, Petras H, Elias E. The use of assistive technology for cognition to support the performance of daily activities for individuals with cognitive disabilities due to traumatic brain injury: The current state of the research. NeuroRehabilitation. 2015;37(3):359‑78
8. Sohlberg MM. Assistive technology for cognition. Leader [Internet]. feb 2011 [cited 11 june 11 2024];16(2):14‑7. Avallaible atr: http://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR3.16022011.14