Measuring the Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
After living with a traumatic brain injury for nearly four decades, and through conversations with others as well as extensive reading about this life-altering condition, I have devised the following methods to measure my health experiences and sense of self.
The approach I have developed is a hybrid system inspired by the Fujita scale, incorporating various data points. These data points include:
a. Anger: The appropriate expression of anger is important for overall well-being.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Affects others. 5 = Requires major intervention.
b. Communication: This encompasses social misunderstandings and missed cues.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Affects others. 5 = Requires major intervention.
c. Emotional stability: This includes factors such as anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Effects are difficult to manage. 5 = Requires major medical intervention.
d. Fatigue: This accounts for stamina issues and tiredness.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Effects are difficult to manage. 5 = Requires major medical intervention.
e. Headaches: Ranging from minor aches to severe cluster migraines.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Effects are difficult to manage. 5 = Requires major medical intervention.
f. General health: This considers all associated well-being issues.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Effects are difficult to manage. 5 = Requires major medical intervention.
g. Memory: While variations exist, this evaluates overall memory function.
0 = Balanced. 1 = Normal. 2 = Above normal. 3 = Requires balancing.
4 = Effects are difficult to manage. 5 = Requires major medical intervention.
By aggregating these measurements, we obtain a range of values that provide a reasonably accurate assessment of our current health status.
0 = Balanced.
7 = Normal.
8 to 16 = Slightly above normal.
17 to 21 = Requires balancing.
22 to 28 = Health issues requiring management.
29 to 35 = Major health intervention.
Depending on the predominant issues identified from A to G, we can determine which specific health factors are contributing to the problem at hand.
Author: A. Rangihana
Copyright 2023