BRAIN INJURY REHABILITATION

How Trauma Affects the Brain ?

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Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a form of physical trauma that someone may experience as a result of an auto accident. It is most commonly associated with traffic accidents but can also result from other kinds of experiences as long as they involve a blow to the head.

Physical trauma has an undeniable effect on the brain. At the very least, it will leave the victim with a mild concussion. In more severe cases, the patient may suffer from a cracked skull, stroke, or temporary to permanent loss of consciousness, to name a few.

 

These physical effects have long-lasting mental side-effects, which can make it harder for a person to live a normal life. These effects include:

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• Difficulty with speech

• Living in a state of shock after the event

• Poor thinking ability

• Difficulty making decisions

• Memory problems

• Compromised cognitive ability

• Finding it difficult to move on your own

• Trouble dealing with casual, everyday stress and challenges

 

Popular physical symptoms may include:

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• Headaches

• Compromised vision

• Loss of hearing

• Persistent dizziness

• Disturbed olfactory sense

• Stuttering

 

Luckily, it is possible to fully recover from your injuries and regain the ability to perform most of the tasks you did before the TBI, but only if you seek professional help.

 

Rehabilitations:

 

Most people who have had a significant brain injury will require rehabilitation. They may need to relearn basic skills, such as walking or talking. The goal is to improve their abilities to perform daily activities. Therapy usually begins in the hospital and continues at an inpatient rehabilitation unit, a residential treatment facility or through outpatient services. The type and duration of rehabilitation is different for everyone, depending on the severity of the brain injury and what part of the brain was injured. Rehabilitation specialists may include:

• Physiatrist, a doctor trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who oversees the entire rehabilitation process, manages medical rehabilitation problems and prescribes medication as needed

• Occupational therapist, who helps the person learn, relearn or improve skills to perform everyday activities

• Physical therapist, who helps with mobility and relearning movement patterns, balance and walking

• Speech and language therapist, who helps the person improve communication skills and use assistive communication devices if necessary

• Neuropsychologist, who assesses cognitive impairment and performance, helps the person manage behaviors or learn coping strategies, and provides psychotherapy as needed for emotional and psychological well-being

• Social worker or case manager, who facilitates access to service agencies, assists with care decisions and planning, and facilitates communication among various professionals, care providers and family members

• Rehabilitation nurse, who provides ongoing rehabilitation care and services and who helps with discharge planning from the hospital or rehabilitation facility

• Traumatic brain injury nurse specialist, who helps coordinate care and educates the family about the injury and recovery process

• Recreational therapist, who assists with time management and leisure activities

• Vocational counselor, who assesses the ability to return to work and appropriate vocational opportunities and who provides resources for addressing common challenges in the workplace