The human brain is like a computer made up of parts that each have different jobs. Some of the parts need to work together to do complex activities like holding a conversation or playing a game. Each person is born with a unique brain, and our brains change as we learn and grow. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when the brain is physically impacted by an external force. These injuries can affect all five senses and different functions in the brain and body.
People who are in rehab for TBI need therapies that help them recover specific skills and abilities at a comfortable pace. They also need care that’s a good fit for their life outside of rehab. Managing stress and emotions throughout the recovery process is critical for their well-being. These patients often need medical care for other injuries as well.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, so now is a great time to learn about what’s possible in rehabilitation for TBI. There’s evidence that early care leads to the best outcomes. However, it’s never too late. Patients can benefit from therapy years after their injury. Even patients with mild TBI and concussions may benefit from rehab.
At Ability KC, we’re passionate about helping people maximize their potential for recovery after TBI. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the importance of personalized rehabilitation for traumatic brain injuries.
What does the rehabilitation process for traumatic brain injuries look like?
Because the human brain is complex and there’s so much variation from person to person, no two brain injuries are alike. Oftentimes, traumatic brain injuries co-occur with other disabilities, injuries and illnesses. Each person’s condition and the challenges they face in the recovery process are unique. The best rehabilitation approaches integrate different types of care into one personalized experience.
Rehab begins with an in-depth assessment to get a picture of how a person’s injury has affected their brain’s many functions. A neuropsychologist will use different tasks and tests to assess cognitive functions like concentration, memory and decision-making. They’ll also ask questions to get an understanding of any changes in a person’s emotional state and their behaviors. Once this is done, the care team will share their recommendations with the patient and their family. They’ll usually present options and work with families to create a plan they feel good about. As a patient makes progress, their care team will monitor them and adjust their care plan accordingly.
The rehabilitation process generally includes these steps:
- Individual assessment and care recommendations
- Setting realistic, personalized goals for rehabilitation
- Involvement of family and support system
- Measuring and celebrating individual progress
- Adapting therapy approaches based on progress
- Maintaining hope and envisioning new goals for independent living
What therapies can help patients work toward their goals for recovery from TBI?
Goals for post-acute care typically include reducing complications and symptoms. Patients also work on any life skills affected by their injury. They might need help learning how to swallow, talk, walk or perform daily activities. Some people may benefit from learning to use assistive technology. These include devices for mobility, reading, memory, communication and more. Managing interactions between TBI and other conditions may also be an important part of the process.
Patients may need the following therapies to recover after a traumatic brain injury:
- Physical therapy (PT) — PT helps people regain strength and healthy movement. It can help relieve pain, too. If patients need help with mobility, they’ll work on skills to get around or learn to use mobility devices in PT. It may also include treatments for neck strain or vestibular therapy for balance, stability and dizziness.
- Speech therapy — Speech therapy helps people with functions of the mouth and throat and all aspects of communication. People may work on talking and swallowing. Or they might work on skills for conversation and socializing.
- Occupational therapy (OT) — OT helps people with activities that require coordination. This is when people will work on activities of daily living like eating, bathing and dressing themselves.
- Neuropsychology care — Neuropsychologists are the specialists who can help patients learn about their brain health and assess brain function throughout their recovery. They make sure therapies address each person’s changing needs. This might include working on skills like concentration, memory and problem-solving along with emotional well-being and visual processing.
- Psychotherapy — TBI can affect a person’s emotions and mental health in different ways throughout their recovery and their life. A rehab psychologist can help people through this period of adjustment and help them learn to manage their thoughts and feelings while maintaining a positive outlook.
- Family and community involvement — Patients’ families need to learn about their loved one’s condition and their role in supporting them. Patients also need help communicating with their employers and making any arrangements for work during and after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation programs should collaborate with each person’s support system and help ensure that they have financial security.
- Group therapies — Group therapies help create a sense of community and belonging for patients with TBI. They can share what they’re going through with other people who understand. Hearing stories from other patients also provides some hope and perspective.
- Nursing care — People who have TBI often have ongoing needs for medical care. Rehab programs should include nursing for wound care and other types of treatment.
Why is personalized care so important for people recovering from TBI?
A few different factors can impact an individual’s recovery journey after a traumatic brain injury. The location and extent of the injury itself are the first considerations. The person’s age, overall health and prior conditions may make a difference. Some of the most important factors are a person’s lifestyle, their access to resources and their support system. People who have what they need to make healthy choices achieve the best outcomes. Supportive relationships and social well-being help people stay motivated and engaged in their recovery.
For all of these reasons, and because each person’s brain is different, cookie-cutter approaches to rehab aren’t the most effective. Our brains have a high level of plasticity, which means that there’s usually a lot of potential for recovery. Patients can only reach their fullest potential if they’re challenging their brain and their body in the right ways. The initial assessment defines a patient’s starting point and highlights areas where they may improve. At different milestones in the process, the care team will update the patient and their family on what has changed and how they might adjust their approach.
Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation exercises
Rehabilitation for a TBI usually involves exercises that challenge the brain to work in different ways. Simple activities like reading, drawing or singing along with your favorite songs are all good for your brain. Patients should go at a pace that is relaxed and not strenuous. Therapists can help people find activities that give their brains a bit of a workout without exhausting them.
The following exercises can be helpful for recovery from a traumatic brain injury:
- Mindful eating — Trying new foods and familiar ones can help a person reconnect with their senses of smell and taste. Focus on the texture and taste of different foods and see what you notice.
- Use your nondominant hand — If you’re right-handed, using your left hand challenges your brain. Try writing, drawing or eating with your nondominant hand.
- Music therapy — Listening to music and singing along or moving your body with the rhythm is great exercise for your brain. You might clap your hands, ring a bell or shake a tambourine.
- Memory games — Simple matching games can help with short-term memory, cognition and executive functioning.
- Drawing from memory — Drawing places, people, things or animals from memory helps engage different parts of your brain.
How can I find a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation center near me?
Learning about the therapies available today and the results that may be possible for rehabilitation after a TBI is a good place to start. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can start searching for rehab facilities in your area. You should search for a facility with an excellent neuropsych team and other specialists with experience treating your loved one’s condition.
Your trust in the care team you choose is one of the most important criteria. You can read about other people’s experiences and look for certifications or accreditations. Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We also have Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation.
Are you considering medical rehabilitation centers for yourself or a loved one with a traumatic brain injury? Let’s talk about what’s possible. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.