The majority of recovery from brain injuries occurs within the first six months to year after trauma, but one study (Sbordone 1994) indicates that a patient's brain function following severe traumatic brain injury, can occur for up to ten years after injury. Improvement/recovery is possible, yet unpredictable in many cases because TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) varies from one person to another. Patient rehabilitation & strengthening abilities can have positive effects on a patient & patient’s brain. Keeping in mind: It is never to late to learn. Improvements can be small or large depending on injury. Positive attitude is an important emotion needed in processing adjustments after injury occurs.
Other emotions include:
Grieving-
letting go what no longer exists--physically & mentally.
Anger-often directed toward a loved one can be caused by fatigue as well as/or lack of sleep.
Guilt-of self or toward another has a negative affect on self & treatment.
Denial-can be a coping mechanism to accomplish goals or it can be a destructive power that holds one back from achieving & experiencing all life has to offer.
Areas of Rehabilitation for Brain Injury include:
1. knowledge of self--attention span, memory skills, self image, personality & adaptations to environment.
2. social skills--speaking (not overwhelming people or being overwhelmed), patience, dignity.
3. safety awareness--issues (working with machinery or being in public independently).
More next month of Sue’s Advocate Info. ##