Nearly 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Some of the most common causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, and gunshot wounds.
The good news is that most cases are
mild and only need minimal treatment. Severe cases, however, may require hospital
care. For example, surgery may be necessary to treat bleeding in the brain.
Do you know someone who’s
dealing with a traumatic brain injury? Want to learn more about the brain
injury recovery process?
If so, you’re on the right page.
Keep reading for everything that you need to know!
The
Stages of TBI Recovery
Brain injury
recovery stages are based on an individual’s level of cognitive function.
Different patients may also have different degrees of recovery within each
stage.
Stage 1 - Coma: The person is in a deep state of unconsciousness; their eyes
will be closed and they’ll be unable to communicate or show any responses.
Depending on the individual, this stage can last for a few weeks.
Stage 2 - Vegetative State: Patients in a vegetative state will exhibit some
neurological responses. For example, they may respond to noises or make some
movements. Typically, they’ll also be able to breathe on their own. Their eyes
may also be open.
Stage 3 - Minimally Conscious State: Patients in this state are partially conscious. They may
show emotion or respond to commands, however, their responses will often be
inconsistent. Doctors may choose to stimulate their brain with medications so
that they can regain full consciousness.
Stage 4 - Post-Traumatic
Amnesia: A transitory state of
confusion and disorientation that occurs once a person emerges from a coma.
While they’ll be responsive, they’ll likely be baffled by their
surroundings. Once they can remember daily events, they’ll be sent to a brain
injury rehab facility.
From there, the patient will
continue to improve over time. It may take several more months but most
will eventually be able to live on their own with minimal help.
How
Long Does Recovery Take?
You'll see the most improvement
during the first six months. As time goes by, the speed of recovery will
slow down, however, they’ll continue to gain more function over the
next few years.
Recovery time will also depend on
the patient’s prior health and their access to traumatic brain injury
rehabilitation. While the latter won’t be able to reverse damage to the brain,
it can help rebuild their physical and cognitive abilities.
If anything, the goal is to help
them become as independent as possible.
Understanding
the Brain Injury Recovery Process
The brain injury recovery process
consists of several stages. Some people may move quickly through the stages
while others may improve more slowly. With proper treatment and rehabilitation,
however, the chances of making a full recovery will be higher.
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