Recovering from a brain injury is difficult , therefore rehabilitation is a crucial part of getting back to the life you love. Understanding the benefits of post-acute rehabilitation after an injury is important, especially when it comes to a serious issue such as an injury to the brain. Knowing the symptoms, and how to prevent long term effects is also key.
Everyone’s road to recovery will look different, but getting a sense of all the options available and the process ahead can prepare and educate you. This way you can have a better sense of what steps should be taken to make a full and successful recovery.
Types and Causes of Brain Injury
There are many different types of brain injuries but the most common are strokes, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). There are two types of TBI, a “closed head injury” and a “penetrating head injury.” The former happens when a hard object hits your head, causing brain damage, but does not break through your skull. The latter, on the other hand, takes place when an object does break through the skull and enters your brain, causing brain damage.
According to an article by Columbia’s Department of Neurology, car accidents are the cause for half of all TBI’s for people under the age of 75. Falling is the most common result for people with TBI’s after the age of 75. Other causes of TBI can include violent assaults and sports injuries.
Symptoms After A Brain Injury
While symptoms for each individual may vary depending on the age, severity, and type of brain injury, these are the most common symptoms according to John Hopkins Medicine.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
Reasons to Receive Post-Acute Rehab After a Brain Injury
There are plenty of reasons to enter post-acute rehab after a brain injury that will benefit both physical and mental issues for a patient. Post-acute rehabilitation will improve your mobility functions to begin your transition back to living independently. Social and emotional support are another big reason to enter into rehab as a lot of patients suffer from depression. Additionally, rehab can help prevent complications like:
- Blood clots
- Ulcers
- Breathing problems
- Pneumonia
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness and muscle spasms
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Problems with reproductive and sexual functions
Post-Acute Rehabilitation Types and Treatments
There are many factors that can influence the course to take during rehabilitation from a brain injury. Because everyone is different, an individual program will be designed to address your specific needs for recovery.
Since there are multiple kinds of rehab programs available, you should talk to your case coordinator and loved ones to see which setting will be most beneficial to you.
Skilled nursing facilities can provide you with any of the following treatments based on your needs:
- Physical therapy
- Physical medicine
- Occupational therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Psychological care
- Speech and language therapy
- Social support
Recovery options in post-acute care after a brain injury will be determined by your care team to pick the best practices for your specific case. After assessing your needs and abilities, they will pick the best course of action. What will determine your assessment will be the capacity in which you can handle the following:
- Bowel and bladder control
- Speech ability
- Swallowing ability
- Strength and coordination
- Understanding language
- Mental and behavioral state
- Social support
After Rehabilitation
While some people are able to get back to their lives in no time, some patients will need care for the rest of their lives. This all depends on the individual, how well they responded to the rehab, and how severe the injury was to begin with. People who have suffered from brain injuries can also be at a higher risk to develop diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other types of dementia. With that being said, it is vital to enter rehab as soon as possible to decrease these risks.
Begin With South Coast Post Acute
At South Coast Post Acute we provide skilled nursing care by highly trained professionals who are committed to ensuring the highest standards of care. Our physician-driven programs are designed to meet your individual needs with customized treatment plans for maximum recovery in the shortest amount of time. Contact us today to begin your journey with the recovery center of choice in Southern California.