There are limited available studies regarding the
rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), however,
available evidence supports the use of certain cognitive
and behavioral rehabilitation strategies for individuals
with TBI.
Persons with a traumatic brain injury, their families,
spouses, and friends are integral to the rehabilitation
and treatment process. A strong support system is needed
to optimize the outcomes over the course of recovery.
The more problematic effects of a traumatic brain injury
often involve the individual's cognition, emotional
functioning, and behavior. These impact interpersonal
relationships, school, and work. The currently used
treatments may include cognitive-behavioral remediation,
pharmacologic therapy, assistive technology, environmental
stimulation, education, and counseling. TBI patients
receive help in independent rehabilitation hospitals,
rehabilitation departments in general hospitals, a variety
of day treatment or residential programs, skilled nursing
facilities, schools, the community, and in the home.
Because there is no singular profile of the TBI patient,
there is no single established regimen for treatment of a
traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries occur
throughout the population, regardless of race, gender and
age, and have varied causes. Because of these
complexities, multiple rehabilitation strategies are
needed.
The goals of rehabilitation and treatment are to enhance
the person's ability to process information and function
in family and community life. Cognitive and behavioral
rehabilitation may include:
- Restorative Training -
focusing on improving specific areas of brain function;
- Compensatory Training -
focuses on adapting to the presence of cognitive and
behavioral deficits.
Specific approaches for
restorative and compensatory rehabilitation strategies
include:
- Computer assisted
exercises have been used to improve attention, memory
and organizational skills;
- Compensatory devices,
such as memory books and electronic paging systems, are
used both to improve particular cognitive functions and
to compensate for specific deficits. Training to use
these devices requires structured, sequenced, and
repetitive practice.
- Psychotherapy is
frequently used in rehabilitation strategies to help
treat loss of self-esteem, depression, improve
interpersonal relationships, address feelings of denial
and learn acceptance of the brain injury. Therapy should
involve family members and others significant to the
individual.
- A medical professional
may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to address various
medical and behavioral effects of TBI.
- Vocational
rehabilitation services, both short-term and long-term
are important for successful recovery. This may include
job coaching, supported employment, community colleges
and other structure educational institutions.
Multiple treatment
therapies may be in the best interest of the person with
TBI. For example, alcohol is reported to be associated
with half of all TBI, either in the person causing the
injury or in the person with the injury. Therefore the
rehabilitation process, for some individuals, may include
chemical dependency treatment.
A comprehensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment
plan is essential for recovery. The rehabilitation
strategy often includes a diverse team of experienced
professionals, and should be personalized to address the
particular needs of the individual. These programs use
individually tailored interventions, both restorative and
compensatory, in order to achieve both intermediate goals
in cognitive functioning and larger scale (global)
outcomes.
TBI Treatment / Rehabilitation Facilities
The Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) has been
servicing the nation with high-quality, specialized,
post-acute traumatic brain injury rehabilitation services
for over 23 years. Their programs have provided treatment
for more than 1,900 clients from 47 states. Locations in
Irving, Texas and Bakersfield, Encino California.
University of Missouri Health Care offers a full
continuum of care with one of the most comprehensive brain
injury rehab programs in Missouri. Services include
inpatient brain injury rehabilitation program, assistive
technology assessment center, day rehab programs,
substance abuse treatment, vocational rehabilitation and
transitional living program.
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center serves
active duty military, their dependents and veterans with
traumatic brain injury (TBI) through state-of-the-art
medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives,
and educational programs.
Brain Injury Centre - Provides rehabilitation of
acquired brain injury after accident or illness with a
goal of promoting independence.
Brain
Injury Rehabilitation Institute of Florida -
Traumatic brain injury and head injury education and
rehabilitation.
Cognitive Rehabilitation and Family Support Services
(CRAFSS) - A post-TBI facility located in Palm
Harbor, Florida offering residential, outpatient, and
home-based therapies as well as supportive living and
employment programs. A recreational component is available
along with training in safety, mobility, communication,
interpersonal relations, and home management.
Head Injury Rehabilitation & Referral Services, Inc.
(HIRRS) - Serves individuals with neurological
impairments, specializing in brain injuries. Offers
residential and outpatient programs, vocational training,
life skills assistance, educational goals, and assistance
in accessing community and medical resources. A non-profit
agency located in Rockville, MD.
Community Transitions - Offers services which
bridge the gap between traditional rehabilitation therapy
and a successful return to community living. Includes
cognitive training, daily living skills, vocational
training, and counseling for people with brain injury.
Located in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Crotched Mountain's Adult Brain Injury Program -
Provides extended rehabilitative services and
individualized care to survivors of traumatic brain
injury. Located in New Hampshire.
Locate Additional Treatment Facilities,
click here.
If you or a loved one have
suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) please
contact us or
complete our online
case evaluation for a free consultation. You may have
the right to seek compensation, let us help you and your
family.
Traumatic Brain Injury Questions & Answers:
What is traumatic
brain injury?
What are the most
common causes of traumatic brain injury?
What are the side
effects of brain injury?
Who is most at risk
for sustaining a brain injury?
What physical damages
can occur after a brain injury?
How is a traumatic
brain injury diagnosed?
What are cerebral
contusions?
How many people
suffer traumatic brain injury each year?
How is traumatic
brain injury treated?
Can traumatic brain
injury be prevented?
Why is traumatic
brain injury referred to as the “Silent Epidemic”?
What is being done
to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries?
If a loved one or
I have suffered a brain injury, should I contact an
attorney?
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