Traumatic brain injury is a result of damage to the brain due to a violent blow to the head. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the degree of injury can range from momentary loss of consciousness, headache, disorientation and dizziness to severe symptoms from acute damage—recurring vomiting, convulsions, slurred speech, numbness or weakness and extreme agitation. Treatment usually combines physical and occupational therapy in which the patient relearns daily tasks.
Task Repetition
Retraining a TBI patient to perform simple daily tasks may be the first and most important part of therapy, says Christopher Munsey of “Monitor on Psychology.” Oftentimes, the patient may have no motivation or ability to get out of bed in the morning, so it’s important to encourage the repetition of daily duties such as getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed and eating breakfast—all vital functions a patient should be able to accomplish in occupational therapy. Succeeding in these basic achievements can give the patient the confidence to progress in more demanding or strenuous physical and mental activities. The Brain Injury Recovery Network website says that occupational therapists attempt to replicate everyday tasks by utilizing household items in order to retrain the patient on proper usage, as well as identify areas of weakness.
Cognitive Retraining
Practicing cognitive retraining aids in the restoration of a patient’s ability to think, perceive and reason. The American Brain Tumor Association compares cognitive retraining to “rebuilding a weakened muscle” through exercise programs that can improve a patient’s “attention, concentration, memory, organization, perception, judgment and/or problem-solving” abilities. Therapists may present patients with a workbook of puzzles or a game of cards to stimulate memory and multi-tasking. The ABTA suggests involving patients in activities that have them practice using organizational skills, such as placing a takeout order from a local restaurant. This requires them to make specific plans, account for details and remain focused on a subjective task. Additionally, the ABTA recommends that another good memory exercise is to give the patient a message and ask him to recount the message to a different person at the end of the day.
Balance and Range of Motion
Exercise allows oxygen flow and blood circulation to reach the brain, while it improves the brain’s ability to function. Physical therapists work with TBI patients to improve range of motion and muscle stretching and strengthening. According to the Brain Injury Recovery Network, physical therapists can begin to work on a patient’s range of motion even if he’s unconscious; this prevents the muscles and tendons from tensing up and shortening. Using exercise balls can help to improve a patient’s balance, movement and range of motion by utilizing and targeting different muscle groups. A therapist may have the patient stand in close proximity to a wall and walk the ball up as far as he’s able before bringing it back down. If a patient is unable to stand alone, he may use a walker to stabilize himself as he practices moving forward or balancing on one foot.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page
- American Brain Tumor Association: Cognitive Retraining
- "Monitor on Psychology": A Long Road Back
- American Psychological Association: Real Life Skills "Retraining" May be a More Effective Treatment Following Brain Injury Than What's Currently in Use, According to Research Review
- The Brain Injury Recovery Network: Therapies That Work
