The Long Road to Recovery After a Traumatic Brain Injury: What You Need to Know

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the result of a severe blow to the head. It might be caused by a slip and fall accident, an automobile crash, an athletic injury, or another bad head injury. Each year, roughly 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a TBI, with 50,000 of them dying from the injuries and 85,000 suffering long-term disability. While there are a wide range of symptoms, they may include loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, and language problems. Healing from a TBI takes time. If you have suffered one, there are several things you should understand about the long road to recovery after a traumatic brain injury.

• Early on, a medical professional will go over the effects of the injury with the individual and/or the person’s family, discussing changes that will need to take place once the person goes home.
• Diagnostic tests, including MRIs, x-rays, and CT scans might be required to determine the extent of the brain injury.
• With a severe TBI, the individual might be placed in a medical induced coma to help the brain heal while also helping to prevent a second injury.
• In extreme cases, surgery might also be required to relieve pressure on the brain and to remove damaged brain tissue.
• Medication may also be prescribed, especially in the beginning. This may help with things such as attention, concentration, and aggressive behavior.
• Rehabilitation is likely both while the person is in the hospital and once the person has been released. An occupational therapist may work with the person on skills such as showering, personal hygiene, cooking, and budgeting.
• Physical therapy might be needed to help the person with balance, posture, strength, coordination, and pain management. The physical therapist may also help the person learn to use a walker, cane, or wheelchair.
• Do not get discouraged if recovery from your TBI is slower than you would like. Even with mild TBIs, some people continue to suffer symptoms for a year or more.

If you or a family member has suffered a TBI in a car accident, due to an injury at work, or because of someone else’s negligence, contact us.