Returning to normal life after a brain injury may be a daunting prospect. If surgery has been performed or a lengthy hospital stay was needed, it is likely your focus has been on healing rather than performing the simple tasks that made up your life prior to your injury. Utilizing the help of trained professionals at a rehabilitation center may help in the transition between constant care and regained independence.
The Facts
Brain injuries can be caused by external circumstances such as a fall or strike to the head, or by internal medical issues including strokes. Language problems and cognitive difficulties are common issues treated by rehabilitation centers, as well as executive functions that make every day decision making possible. According to a paper written by Mark J. Ashley, Sc.D et al, The Brain Injury Association of America's position on brain injury care is that early rehabilitation is key to making a satisfying recovery.
Function
Recovering the highest level of independence possible is the main goal of the patients at a rehabilitation center after a brain injury. This may include relearning simple skills necessary to live alone or learning new ways to communicate, depending on the severity and type of injury. It is during rehabilitation that skilled clinicians and therapists can help determine whether function can be restored or whether an alternate method of accomplishing pre-injury tasks is needed.
Types
There are three basic types of brain rehabilitation centers, each of which serve specific, important purposes in the treatment of brain injuries. Acute hospitals are where the treatment begins and continues until life-threatening complications are no longer imminent. Next, a rehabilitation unit, often within the hospital, provides intensive physical therapy, counseling and other necessary transitional therapies. Finally, a post-acute rehabilitation plan is made, which can include care at home, job-specific rehabilitation or a nursing home facility.
Considerations
Recovery from a brain injury may never be complete. Keep in mind that there will be long and short-term goals in rehabilitation. Setting specific goals, involvement from family members, and being as actively involved in your recovery plan as possible can garner better results. As with any other rehabilitation plan, consult with your doctor to coordinate care and find the facility that will work best for your needs.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Brain Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic
- BrainandSpinalcord.org: Brain Injury Treatment Centers
- University of Utah: Brain Injury Program
- Mark J. Ashley, Sc. D et al: Early vs. Late Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury
- MedlinePlus: Head Injury
- Brain Injury Resource Center: Cognitive Rehabilitation
