Adynamia: Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
When you’ve suffered any type of bump or blow to the head, it may seem natural that you become lethargic or slow to react. Sometimes this can be evidence of depression, but it could also be a more serious condition known as adynamia, caused by injury to your frontal lobe.
What Is the Root Cause of Adynamia?
Your frontal lobe is integrally related to many of your cognitive functions. When you have had bruising or injury to the frontal lobe, you can struggle with many basic cognitive skills, from problem-solving to memory to decision-making. Because of interference with some of your neural pathways, it can take you longer to process ideas and concepts.
What Are the Symptoms of Adynamia after a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Some of the telltale indications of adynamia include:
- A desire to sleep more, including frequent naps and an inability to get up in the morning
- A general malaise or disinterest in activities, conversation or events
- An unwillingness to be around others
- Spending too much time is passive behaviors, such as watching television
- In extreme cases, it can manifest in lack of self-care or an unwillingness to engage in rehab
Ways That You Can Counteract the Effects of Adynamia
When you’ve suffered any type of injury to your frontal lobe, your brain needs time to heal. As that happens, you can actively manage your level of motivation in a number of ways:
- Establish a routine—The more structure you have in your daily routine, the easier it will be to get things done. When tasks are somewhat automatic, motivation can be less challenging. A routine can also minimize the risk that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
- Limit your choices—It’s common nature to want to have options, but the more choices you have, the more your brain has to work and the greater the risk you’ll become confused. If you are a caregiver for a person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury and may be showing signs of adynamia, don’t ask open-ended questions, if at all possible. Instead of asking “what do you want for dinner?”, ask “would you like to have spaghetti for supper?”
- Have short and long-term goals—Break down your recovery and your progress into components, but also keep your eye on the big picture
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.