Long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury can include a loss of cognitive function, emotional function and behavior problems. Any of these impairments can diminish your quality of life and ability to maintain interpersonal relationships.
Living With Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Pam Hays , Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, answeredSee All 2 AnswersYour brain needs to rest after injury. Rest includes getting the proper amount of sleep, refrain from activities that not only tire your body physically, but those that require emotional and mental exercise of the brain. Pushing yourself too hard will not speed up recovery. Actually, it can hinder your brain's ability to heal. Listen to your body. Don't allow other's to set your pace. Recovering from a brain injury is not the time to prove how tough you are. Every day can bring progress, so celebrate the small successes! One day at a time, one moment at a time! -
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Challenge America answeredDepending on the severity of traumatic brain injury, your military doctor will advise you on treatment and duty restrictions. First, you have to allow time for your brain to heal, especially if you are at risk for another injury. If you are symptom-free and your doctor has determined that you do not have a concussion, you may be able to return to duty with some limits. Your doctor may recommend a short work day with fewer on the job responsibilities to start out. You may also need to take frequent breaks if you have any symptoms such as headaches or dizziness. Also, you will not be allowed to drive or lift heavy equipment once you go back on duty in case you suffer loss of balance. Ultimately, your doctor makes the final decision on when you can return to duty.
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Challenge America answeredMedications prescribed by a physician are carefully chosen to treat problems associated with traumatic brain injury. For example, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs to help reduce feelings of nervousness and fear after TBI. Sometimes anti-seizure or anti-epileptic drugs are prescribed to prevent seizures with traumatic brain injury. Also, stimulants may be prescribed to help you stay alert and attentive, while anti-depressants or sedatives may be prescribed to help you relax or help with sleep problems. Your doctor will explain the medications given with traumatic brain injury, including the benefits to you, along with any risks, side effects and drug interactions
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Challenge America answeredAbsolutely. Work is extremely beneficial and therapeutic, and should be the goal of anyone’s rehabilitation after TBI. You might find employment challenging after suffering a TBI. However, getting back to work and on a regular schedule is important for your quality of life, your finances, and your personal fulfillment.
During rehabilitation, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist will work with you on skills necessary for optimal function each day. You will work on improving your upper limb strength and fine motor control skills needed for the workplace. Also, you will work on the lower limb pattern to strengthen your core and improve your gait. Then working with a community rehabilitation program and a vocational counselor, you can seek a job for which you are best suited, getting back into the workforce with real pay. -
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Challenge America answeredFirst, you need to seek rehabilitation services at a treatment center and enlist the support of your family and friends. Set short and long-term goals, and embrace each part of your recovery process.
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Pam Hays , Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, answeredSee All 2 Answers
There are many resources for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, depending on the individual survivor's challenges. The needs that are addressed during hospitalization are only the beginning. Many TBIs require weeks, months or years of suportive services of some kind and care coordination is very important to the overall success of rehabilitation. Having a plan that encompasses immediate needs, as well as anticipated needs will alleviate some stress. A family member/caregiver usually is the point of contact with service providers. The system of support is cumbersome and not easy to navigate. Search online, ask questions of doctors, therapists and others involved in the care of the TBI survivors. Research, and if you feel you are not getting the answers you need, ask someone else knowing that persistance will pay off!
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Challenge America answeredIt’s difficult at first to adjust to the problems caused by traumatic brain injury. Even with mild TBI, you may face daily challenges such as difficulty speaking and communicating, memory loss, impulsivity, mood swings, and fatigue. Dealing with one of these symptoms is hard, but when you have to cope with many symptoms, it can feel overwhelming.
The best thing to do to have better relationships is to take your time! Make sure you are well-groomed and go slowly as you get to know someone. Look at the person when you speak and remember his/h ere name. Be yourself; but if you find yourself getting agitated, mentally calm yourself down. Avoid talking too much and don’t argue about anything. With time, your social skills will improve and you’ll feel more comfortable in relationships that matter.
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Challenge America answeredStress affects everyone but people with TBI are particularly vulnerable to this problem. Perhaps you feel stressed out and have problems of anxiety, tension, high blood pressure, depression, anger, distractibility and other physical problems. As someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, there are stressors across all aspects of your life. There are physical stressors (the limitations caused by the brain injury), social stressors (loss of friends and activities), work stressors (loss of duty or job), and family stressors (feeling dependent on others).
While you have every right to feel stressed, there are steps you can take to get back in control. Talk to a therapist who specializes in stress management and learn helpful ways of dealing with overwhelming situations, people, and problems. If you have physical signs of stress, talk to your VA doctor and get treatment. Relaxation therapies like listening to soothing music or doing deep abdominal breathing can also help ease stress if used when you feel your body becoming very tense. -
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Challenge America answeredSleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and problems staying asleep, are common with TBI. Poor sleep is a detriment when you are recovering from any ailment. Not only can poor sleep make you feel more irritable, but it adds to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue you already feel. The treatment for insomnia associated with TBI is multifaceted and includes a combination of sleep aids, education on sleep hygiene, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medications used to promote sleep quality may include benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, antidepressants, and over the counter supplements such as melatonin.
While medications may promote good sleep quality in the short-term, the long-term effects may cause further problems in those with TBI. Improving sleep hygiene habits may help improve problems with sleep, as can cognitive behavioral therapy, although these are not instant fixes like sleep aids. Because sleep problems can affect mood, fatigue, and productivity, it is important to seek help for any sleep issues with TBI.