Many types of accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries. In younger individuals, this might be due to risky behaviors. Elderly adults can suffer this type of injury because of falls. Regardless of the cause, living with a TBI is a challenge.
Each year, around 2.5 million people have a TBI. Many of these individuals will have to go through a rehabilitation program to help them learn how to live with the impacts of the injury or to re-learn skills that were forgotten because of the injury.
Not all recoveries are the same
Each person who suffers a TBI will need a unique recovery plan. The speed at which they heal will be different, as will the way that they’re able to cope with the demands of the rehabilitation program. The patient should be challenged to make improvements but not at the cost of their mental health.
There are usually multiple simultaneous recovery programs, so the therapists need to set the plan as a team to ensure the patient is receiving well rounded care that moves them toward their goals.
Some injuries aren’t immediately found
It’s possible that a person will suffer a head injury and not realize it right away. This can delay the onset of the treatment options, which may have a negative impact on their recovery. Instituting a multi-faceted approach enables them to use the full brain and multiple body systems.
Injuries that aren’t found right away usually aren’t severe; however, they can lead to serious challenges if they’re left untreated. This is one reason why a through medical evaluation is important after any accident.
Goals to remain focused
One of the major challenges that comes with TBIs is that the patient might feel as though they aren’t really improving because they’re comparing where they are now to where they were prior to the accident. Part of a good therapy program is setting small goals that the person can work toward as they move closer to completing their big goals.
For example, a person who needs to learn to use an arm again may have an initial goal of moving a finger. This gives the patient something they can see improving and may motivate them to continue with the program.
The cost of therapy is often expensive. Patients who have to go through this because of the negligence of another person may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help them recover the financial damages they suffered.