Are you trying to recovery from a TBI and aren’t sure what to do? Read this article to learn important traumatic brain injury recovery tips.
Have you ever hit your head and then felt different for days or weeks? You may have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over 1.7 million people experience a TBI each year.
Most injuries result from falls or car accidents. The traumatic brain injury recovery time varies based on injury severity. Continue reading to learn more about recovering from a TBI.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI results from sudden damage to the brain caused by a bump or jolt. Since this happens inside the head, it’s called a closed head injury.
The individual may experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. A concussion represents a mild form of TBI. Yet, concussions can have serious effects.
The good news is that most people, in time, will have a complete recovery. Severe TBIs may cause significant physical and psychological problems, coma, and even death.
What Is a Neurologist?
Neurologists specialize in treating the central nervous system, which includes the brain. They are experts in diagnosing and treating neurologic problems.
If you have a work-related head injury, you must see a workers’ comp neurologist. This allows for the documentation of neurologic symptoms and problems. They will also manage the recovery process, including any necessary work accommodations.
Managing Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
Today, there’s no miracle cure for a TBI. Nor is there any medication to prevent nerve damage or speed nerve healing. Treatment goals focus on preventing further brain injury.
The following are tips for recovering from a brain injury.
- Cognitive and Physical Rest
After a brain injury, you must focus on protecting the brain from further damage. For most people, this means physical and cognitive rest. Your doctor will tell you how to balance rest and activity during your recovery.
As you progress, you will slowly increase cognitive and physical activity. If your symptoms worsen, it’s important to tell your doctor. You may need to take a few steps back for a while.
- Follow Up with Doctor
In general, 2-3 weeks represents the usual time frame in which you should no longer have symptoms. If you do have trouble after this time, it’s essential to let your provider know.
For some individuals, symptoms may persist past this time. This indicates a diagnosis of Post Concussion Syndrome. The provider will continue to recommend restrictions and rest.
Be sure you keep all doctor’s appointments and follow their treatment orders.
- Wait to Return to Play
The restriction on return to play helps to prevent further brain damage. Thus, the athlete must show no symptoms before returning to play.
The athlete should begin by gradually increasing activity. The provider and trainers will watch their response to the activity. When the player remains symptom-free with physical exertion, they can return to play.
- Accommodations at Work or School
It’s important to let teachers or supervisors know if you have sustained a TBI. They can help observe your cognitive and physical performance. Let them and your provider know if you don’t feel normal.
Tell someone if you have trouble performing tasks or understanding concepts. This can mean that your brain needs further rest. Taking time for complete healing speeds the recovery process and improves long-term outcomes.
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