How do you treat a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Every TBI is unique. Depending on the severity of the TBI, various methods and interventions can be utilized to support a person who has just sustained a TBI or is already in the recovery process. 

Some TBIs such as concussions may resolve themselves on their own. Often rest and a decrease in environmental stimulation is what is needed to support concussion recovery. In reference to severe concussions, more interventions may be needed. It is important to consult with your primary doctor and/or neurologist for guidance related to assessment, medical interventions, and referrals to other providers. 

Even with more serious TBIs, the brain is able to heal itself; however, medical oversight and consultation may be necessary in these situations. A major factor in an individual’s recovery process is themself. Meaning, sometimes a person with a TBI is feeling better but that does not mean the brain has finished healing. Thus, the person pushes themself too hard physically or mentally and end up experiencing high levels of fatigue, other cognitive challenges, or reinjuring their brain. 

For individuals who experience a severe TBI surgery may be indicated. Of course, this will be confirmed with one or more imaging scans such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or a Computerized Tomography (CT) while in the hospital or clinic. Surgery may be utilized to decrease swelling in the brain, remove a blood clot, or stop bleeding in the brain. Click here for more information on different types of TBIs (Link back to TBI article please). 

What does TBI recovery look like?

TBI recovery will look different for every person. For one person, they be back to their level of functioning after a few weeks or months of resting, sleeping, and mild levels of exercise. For others, recovery may involve inpatient and outpatient therapy to support their recovery. process Various professionals can be included in these forms of recovery to include: massage therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health therapists in your local area. Depending on how a person’s daily functioning has been impacted by a TBI in-depth assessments may be needed to determine functioning deficits. For example, a neuropsychologist may assess for cognitive deficits that may be present after the TBI. Furthermore, physical and occupational therapists can assess a person’s challenges with gross motor, fine motor, over/under stimulation from the environment, and level of independence. Recovery is multi-dimensional and no one professional can do everything on their own.

If you think you have recently sustained a TBI, please go to your local hospital or contact your doctor immediately. For those seeking therapeutic support around their TBI do not hesitate to reach out. We specialize is supporting people who have challenges with guilt; shame; regret; anger/rage; shifts in identity; griefå and loss; or who just need support in their recovery process. We also work to support families who have a family member who sustained a TBI. Click here to submit an inquiry so we can schedule a 20-minute consultation.