• What is Cognitive Fatigue?

Cognitive fatigue, or mental fatigue, is a feeling of ‘tiredness’ or ‘fogginess’ that can make daily activities feel more challenging and is very common following a brain injury or concussion. After an accident or sports-related trauma leading to a TBI, the brain often has to work harder to focus and think, resulting in more energy expenditure and exhaustion.

• What are Executive Functions?

Executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically based skills involving mental control and self-regulation. Memory, Attention, Initiation, Reasoning and Problem Solving are some skills that assist our higher level ‘Executive Functioning.’

• What is a “Mild TBI (mTBI)?”

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be classified as mild if the individual experiences a loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation for less than 30 minutes. While MRI and CAT scans often appear normal, the individual may suffer from cognitive impairments, including symptoms such as headaches, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, vision changes, impulsivity, mood swings, and frustration/irritability. Individuals may find it challenging to complete everyday tasks. Sadly, symptoms of concussion trauma injuries are frequently overlooked or assumed they will ‘go away’ with rest. Despite being labeled as 'mild,' the impact on the affected individual and their family can be devastating. A Mild TBI is also known as 'Post-Concussion Syndrome.'

• What are common signs and symptoms of Mild TBI (mTBI) / Post Concussion Syndrome?

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Visual disturbances

• Memory loss

• Poor attention/concentration

• Sleep disturbances

• Dizziness/loss of balance

• Irritability-emotional disturbances

• Feelings of depression     

• Seizures

• Sensitivity to Light and Sound