Blast TBI effects

Mother to Mother #6

Mavis McDowell

The kind of  traumatic brain injury TBI our troops are experiencing from the multiple blasts they are exposed to on deployments cause a variety of problems.  Some are very serious  like CTE,  chronic traumatic encephalopathy which I will write about in a coming blog. Others are more manageable as eating disorders and PBA  pseudobar affect.

                This information is from an article by Debra S. Gordon M.S. published in the February /March issue of Neurology Now.  Pseudobular affect isn’t a disease but  can result from  traumatic brain injury or other diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers,  multiple  sclerosis and other brain conditions.

                 Pseudobular affect  can cause inappropriate crying , laughing or anger.  Researchers think PBA is caused by some disconnect between the brain stem  the oldest part of the brain , where emotions originate and the front temporal lobes, the  part of the brain that determines how we express emotions. Neurologist  Robert Miller M.D.  has theorized  the neurotransmitter  glutamate is also involved.

                What it means for the veteran and his family is  crying occurs unexpectedly   not related to any cause. This could be misdiagnosed as depression.  PBA takes an emotional toll on the  veteran and his family.  It’s socially disturbing and isolating in a major way. A soldier does not want to be seen crying or laughing inappropriately. The fear of losing control of their emotions puts another strain on  returning to a normal life.  PBA can mean shame and isolation.

 The right diagnosis is important for treatment. They used to prescribe anti-depressants. Now the FDA has approved a combination of  two drugs that significantly reduce  unwelcome outbursts. Relieving the apprehension of  PBA sufferers in social situations.  I don’t want to sound like I’m prescribing anything. I’m a mom just like you. You can find the article I’m referencing on line at www.neurologynow.com. Look for the February/March issue and the article is;   A Flood of Emotions  by Debra Gordon M.S.

I hope this information helps.