Question
What implications does brain injury have on the respiratory system?
Answer
Brain injury can have various implications for the respiratory system. It can disrupt the neural control of the respiratory system. We said, not only the cortex, but the brain stem can cause significant issues with the overall ability to function respiratory-wise. We can have peripheral trauma affecting the trachea, lungs, diaphragm, and accessory muscles for breathing. Any disruptions or damage, whether it is a penetrating injury, can cause further respiratory function issues, especially when dealing with multi-trauma patients. We have the neurochemical cascade response that occurs in response to a brain injury. The body is trying to respond to this trauma, and in doing so, there is a chain reaction of various chemicals in the brain and neurotransmitters that, unfortunately, if they continue to kind of spiral, can cause secondary damage. That secondary damage to the brain can cause further disruptions to the respiratory system and the potential for respiratory failure.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Brain Injury Effects on the Respiratory System, presented by Sarah Busser, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS.
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