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Recovery And Rehabilitation From A Brain Injury

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Rehabilitation is a name given to the process of aiding a patient's return to normal function after a neurological accident such as a brain injury. There are many ways to attempt to improve a patient\'s overall function. One way is to provide a compensation for the physical deficits, such as a walker, while at the same time providing occupational and physical therapy to teach the person to walk independently. Ideally the hope is to be able to restore full function to the patient instead of providing an alternative. Recovery is possible in some cases because undamaged brain tissue takes over the functions of the previously damaged tissue. The re-wiring of the brain is called neuroplasticity, and it can occur when the patient practices the exertion of the impaired function. For example, if the legs are weak, the best chance for recovery is to use them as much as possible. This method is sometimes called the forced use method and may work with not only physical recovery, but with cognitive recovery as well, such as regaining the ability to speak.

Recovery and rehabilitation from a brain injury can be a lengthy and complicated process. There are many medical treatments available for those who have suffered a brain injury or brain damage. Rehabilitation, such as occupational and physical therapy, is very common. Also, speech and language therapy are given to those who have suffered a brain injury. Cognitive impairments are quite common in those who have had a brain injury. Rehabilitation for these difficulties is available.

Since a brain injury will affect different people in different ways, and some cases are much more severe than others, the recovery process for different individuals will require different methods and treatments. Some injuries are reduced in severity by steps taken by paramedics before the patient arrives at the hospital. Unfortunately, not all brain injuries are like this. Many require regular therapies and other rehabilitation treatments.

Medications are often prescribed to a person who has had a brain injury. Doctors often prophylactically prescribe anti-epileptic medications and other medicines shortly after the injury. This is to avoid the possible consequences of a seizure.

In seeking rehabilitation and therapy, a person who has had an injury will often be subject to an initial assessment by a doctor or other specialized practitioner. An initial assessment will evaluate a patient's cognitive deficits, socialization skills or problems, behavioral problems, and other factors relating to their physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms.

Rehabilitation for those suffering from a brain injury may require physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy. Therapy given to someone who has had an injury should be done so by a highly trained and qualified practitioner or practitioners.

Physical therapy is often needed for those who have had a brain injury. Brain injuries can cause a person to lose or partially lose movement and flexibility in different parts of their body. Physical therapy is designed to help these problems, and with time, improve patients\' mobility and flexibility. Occupational therapy is given to help those with brain injuries get along in their daily lives and routines. This is an extremely important part of the person's overall rehabilitation.

An injured person will often suffer from cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment concerns the patient's overall thinking ability and processes. This type of therapy is very difficult and it can take a long time to see substantial results.

Patience, hard work, and understanding the situation will greatly improve an injured person's chances of rehabilitation.