As a form of traumatic brain trauma, an acquired brain injury occurs any time after birth as the result of a severe blow to the head. Rehabilitation programs for acquired brain injury combine different modalities including physical, speech, cognitive and occupational fields to move the individual into a functional, independent lifestyle. Since treatment differs according to individual conditions, always check with your doctor first before attempting any new therapy.
Balance Training
Rehabilitation programs for acquired brain injuries need to include balance improvement maneuvers, since many traumatic brain injuries result in loss of body balance, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Balance impairments can result in gait disorders, which increase your risks of falling, tripping, stumbling or sustaining other balance-related injuries such as bone fractures. Work on restoring your sense of balance by doing a standing toe walk to help retrain your brain and body. Improving your sense of balance also improves your capability of performing a variety of everyday tasks, such as going up and down stairs. Walking next to a wall can provide extra support in case you need it.
Word Games
Word games may be a part of rehabilitation for acquired brain injury when cognitive functioning has been hindered. Some individuals experience loss of language skills and cannot put words together either through communication or while transferring from the mind to paper. Individuals also may experience diminished hand-eye coordination and memory loss. Playing a variety of computer, paper or board-based words games can challenge the brain and mind and be used as therapy for rekindling lost skills and cognitive faculties. Helpful games that can retrain and improve brain functioning of all age groups include crossword puzzles, word search or find puzzles, or board games, according to The Center for Innovation in Science Learning at The Franklin Institute, a museum for science learning research, program development, and educational services in Philadelphia.
Walking
Walking provides many brain benefits and needs to be included in rehabilitation programs for acquired brain injury. Walking increases oxygen, glucose and blood flow to your brain, according to the Franklin Institute. Walking also improves cognitive functioning by improving memory skills, concentration levels, learning abilities, energy levels while protecting against age-related declines in mental functioning. Since loss of balance usually occurs after an acquired brain injury, walking can strengthen your lower body muscles and lower your chances of becoming unstable. Start out walking by using a walker or cane, if needed. When strong enough, walk unsupported for five minutes. Gradually increase your time as you become stronger.
Wiggling Toes
Physical activity plays a major role in everyone's healthy lifestyle, especially those recovering from a brain injury. Rehabilitation programs for acquired brain injury can benefit by including a toe wiggling exercise. Toe wiggling awakens the body and activates your brain nerves while lowering your risks of falling, which is a leading cause of brain injury, according to the Franklin Institute. Before getting out of bed, start wiggling all your toes up and down. Do this for two minutes. Move your toes throughout the day to stay energized and reduce your risks of falling.
