1. Your Brain Is Flexible
Scientists have determined that the brain has plasticity. This is a very complex theory, but is essentially means that reprogramming the brain to bypass an area with an injury and learn new skills or relearn old ones, no matter the age of the person, is possible. This is great news that provides proof that rehabilitation is worth it and that patients are not doomed to a lower quality of life.
2. Fighting Spirit Required
The brain is the central hub of all our functions and injury to the brain is always serious. However, rehabilitation programs to train the brain are successful and can help people return to active life. Make no mistake, rehabilitation is hard work. It is a daily struggle with success, failures and disappointments. People who are willing to work hard and to fight every day to retrain the brain meet with the most success. Training the brain is the greatest challenge a person can face, but the potential rewards are tremendous.
3. Realistic Hope
People recover from brain injuries slowly, in a time span of months and years. It is important for family members to remain supportive, but honest about the future. Many people with brain injuries never return to the person they were before. Be open to this fact and accept that the person may be different, better or worse. Celebrate the success, but avoid the temptation to put an overly positive spin on achievements. This is a marathon, not a sprint and you will soon run out of adjectives if every success is equally wonderful.
4. Rehabilitation
There are entire teams of professionals required for the rehabilitation of someone with a brain injury. Physical therapists, respiratory therapist, cognitive therapist, occupational therapists, nurses and doctors all need to work together to support the retraining of the brain. Rehabilitation centers support the multi-disciplined team environment that has proven successful. Speak with your doctor about the appropriate treatment plan. It is very common for brain injury patients to move from the hospital to a rehabilitation center and stay there for 6 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the progress. Once they are home, continued rehabilitation work will be necessary for many years to continue to support the growth and development.
5. Depression for Everyone
It is very common and a natural response for a brain injury victim to suffer with depression. However, it is also very common for the family and friends to suffer with a major depression as well. The hope for the future has changed in a sudden dramatic way, and this change has both immediate and long term impact on everyone involved. Most rehab centers offer support groups and counseling for the family of the patient and it is wise to take advantage of these programs.
