Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can be a long and arduous process. While this process does involve several stages, there is a bit of good news. Based on a study published on the National Library of Medicine website, 40% of patients suffering from TBI make a full recovery.
Read on to learn all you need to know about the traumatic brain injury rehabilitation process and how getting help from a neurologist in New York helps.
Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries occur when external forces cause brain matter to hit the inside part of the skull. This can be caused by a wide range of things, such as:
- Vehicle accidents
- Sport injuries
- Assault
- Blasts and explosions
- Falls
These events could cause two types of traumatic brain injuries: penetrating injuries and closed injuries. Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object pierces a person’s skull and enters their brain.
Closed injuries occur when the brain gets severely damaged without any foreign object penetrating the skull. These are quite hard to diagnose, with some patients not realizing they need traumatic brain injury treatment until weeks or months later.
Early Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Stages
Recovering from a TBI takes time and patience. However, the first thing doctors focus on is stabilizing the patient and ensuring their safety. Then, as time goes on and the brain heals, the patient will undergo therapy to rebuild their focus, memory, and strength.
Though every patient’s recovery journey will be unique, understanding the stages they will likely go through can help them and their loved ones navigate such trying times. From immediate, acute care to rehabilitation, here are the stages of traumatic brain injury recovery.
Coma
Comas often represent the earliest stage of TBI recovery. Though some can be a direct result of the injury, others will be medically induced to minimize swelling and pressure. Doing so gives the brain the time it needs to begin the healing process without interruption.
Coma patients will often be unresponsive, though they might inconsistently respond to some of the stimuli in their environment.
Vegetative State
Following a coma, the patient could enter a vegetative state. In this stage, the patient will have regained some of their reflexes. Others may even appear to be awake or could react to loud noises and pain.
Such reactions, however, don’t mean that the patient is awake. Instead, they result from the brain’s automatic responses, which are either intact or have started to heal.
Minimally Conscious State
Unlike the previous stage, patients in this step of the process have more awareness of their environment. They might have more purposeful responses and perform simple instructions. They are likely to drift in and out of consciousness, though.
Their doctor might prescribe medicine to manage the pain or stimulate the brain and help the patient regain full consciousness.
Post-Traumatic Amnesia
A study found that about 70% of patients suffering from a traumatic brain injury will experience post-traumatic amnesia, disorientation, extreme confusion, or a lack of awareness. While these patients will be awake and conscious, they might struggle to remember previous events or create new memories.
Some could exhibit behavior changes, such as aggression or volatile emotional swings. Such symptoms, however, often occur when the injury has affected the brain’s frontal lobe.
Later Stages of TBI Recovery
Once the patient regains full consciousness, they will enter the later stages of their recovery.
Confused State
As their recovery journey continues, the patient will regain their ability to pay attention. However, this will only last for short spans. They might still have difficulty remembering why they are in hospital or how to complete day-to-day actions.
As the confusion gradually subsides, they will eventually get better at remembering key points and carrying out simple, brief conversations.
Post-Acute Stage
At this stage, the patient will be able to engage in more tasks and follow a schedule. It is at this point that neuropsychological testing can occur to gain a better understanding of their injury and resulting deficits.
Though they might find it challenging to understand and accept their cognitive and physical limitations, the patient will be able to adjust to a normal routine. They won’t be completely out of the woods yet and are likely to experience:
- Depression
- Aggression during stressful or difficult situations
- Poor reasoning
Thankfully, these symptoms usually subside with more treatment and support. In fact, an article from the JAMA Network journal says that about 50% of traumatic brain injury patients regained the ability to function independently over the first year of their recovery.
Get Help
Learning the main stages of traumatic brain injury recovery doesn’t just teach patients and their loved ones what to expect. It also goes a long way in understanding TBI effects on mental health and why proper care and consistent support are vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn a little bit more about the stages people go through when recovering from a traumatic brain injury.
Can You See a Full Recovery After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Yes, while each patient’s journey is unique, they can recover fully after a TBI with dedicated treatments and therapies.
How Long Does the Recovery Take?
There’s no fixed recovery period. It all depends on the severity of the injury and the quality of care a patient receives.
Can TBI Symptoms Return Later on in Recovery?
Yes, it is possible for patients to experience TBI symptoms during the later stages of their recovery, especially if their brain is overworked.
What Role Does Family Play in TBI Recovery?
Family plays an extremely crucial role in traumatic brain injury recovery, helping to:
- Support therapy routines
- Monitor symptoms
- Keep the patient motivated and less stressed
- Improve long-term recovery success
