Recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury

Injuries to the head or brain can have a range of effects, depending on the form the injury takes and the level of severity. Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) many patients may display several of the same symptoms as the brain attempts to repair itself, including disorientation, mood swings, and difficulty performing simple tasks. Often after injury swelling, bleeding, or changes in the chemistry of the brain can affect normal functioning of the healthy brain tissue. As swelling decreases, blood flow is able to return to a normal level, and the patient may regain their ability to function in everyday activities.

The most rapid recovery of brain activity is likely to happen in the first six months of recovery, with the patient showing steady signs of improving in function. After this period patients may show signs of further recovery up until two years after the accident, though at a slower rate, and after two years improvement will decrease substantially. During the first six month period there are a range of actions that can be taken to improve chances of a fuller recovery.

The first important step to take during the recovery period is to get plenty of rest, so that the brain has a chance to recover and regain function. While the brain cannot regenerate cells that have died, areas of the brain may be able to take over the activities of the damaged areas by creating new nerve pathways. Avoiding stressful situations is also recommended as these can illicit and amplify mood swings and personality changes that can follow TBI. Avoiding activities where you could sustain further damage to the head is also necessary. The brain cannot recover 100% from a traumatic injury, and participating in risky activities increases the likelihood of repeat injury. The effects of repeat injury build on the original damage in a cumulative manner, lessening the chances of recovery.

Taking medicines should be carefully regulated as many can inhibit the repair of the brain. Although head injuries can cause the patient trouble in falling asleep avoid taking sleeping pills, sedatives, or tranquillisers. Many over-the-counter sleep medications contain antihistamines which can disrupt memory retention and the ability to learn new information in those who have sustained a TBI. If the patient is suffering from headaches, Tylenol should be administered over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin which can occasionally cause the site of injury to bleed.

Occupational, speech, and physiotherapists may be employed to aid the rehabilitation process, depending on the nature of the injury, but taking these initial precautions can encourage the brain to begin a process of restoration.