When will I get better? Recovering from TBI

Traumatic brain injury can have a wide range of potentially permanent complications that may affect any part of a person's cognitive, emotional or physical functioning. Consequently, the amount of time it takes for TBI patients to recover, if, in fact, recovery is possible, will vary according to a number of factors.

Some of the factors affecting the degree to which traumatic brain injury patients will recover include:

  • the effort and consistency a patient invests in his own recovery
  • the medical professionals and other support helping the patient
  • the patient's age
  • the type and severity of the TBI.

Cognitive Treatment for TBI

One of the primary aspects of getting better after brain damage is regaining mental health and higher cognitive functioning. While cognitive impairment can vary in severity and type from patient to patient, many TBI patients will receive the following types of treatment to help them overcome their mental TBI complications:

  • assistive technologies (for example, hearing aids) to improve perception and communication
  • medication to improve attention span and memory (or prevent seizures, headaches and migraines)
  • rehabilitation programs to help patients re-learn how to process information, socialize and otherwise live independently
  • speech therapy to re-develop language skills

Emotional Care for Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI patients will likely develop depression, anxiety or other emotional issues after their injury as they realize and adjust to their new impairments. However, because it's extremely important that patients recovering from traumatic brain injury stick with and put effort into their recovery, working through any emotional problems resulting from TBI is essential.

Emotional care for TBI may include attending support groups and/or going to therapy. Behavioral therapy, family therapy and psychotherapy are all effective in helping TBI patients regain their emotional health.

Similarly, following through with other treatments (including those for physical disabilities and/or mental impairments) can also help patients work through their emotional issues, especially when they start noticing their improvements. Staying focused and remaining optimistic are key to regaining emotional health.

Physical Rehabilitation for TBI

Along with mental and emotional treatment, physical rehabilitation is also critical for most traumatic brain injury patients. Some of the treatments for the physical disabilities associated with TBI may include:

  • assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs to improve mobility or glasses to improve vision
  • medications to improve circulation, maintain heart health or address any other physical problems resulting from TBI
  • physical therapy to re-teach patients how to walk or to improve muscle (or hand-eye) coordination
  • surgery to remove blood clots or treat other health issues.

Getting better after TBI is a long, complicated process that takes lots of work and a tremendous amount of personal strength. For those who diligently work through their recovery, the results will be well worth it.