A brain injury can be life-altering for both the patient and the patient’s family members. A brain injury can affect every part of your life—from mobility, speech, and of course, thinking capabilities. According to the Center for Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) affects 1.5 million Americans each year. Brain injuries can be very complicated, and often no two cases are alike, making it very challenging to rehabilitate.
However, brain injury rehabilitation has come a long way in the past few decades, and more help is available now than ever to help your loved one on the road to recovery and trying to help them adapt to their new normal.
Brian injury patients require a lot of access to comprehensive, rehabilitative care—sometimes even needing 24/7 care depending on the severity and diagnosis.
Let’s learn more about brain injury rehabilitation and how to find the best treatment for your loved one.
FIRST, THEY’LL NEED TO BE EVALUATED IN THE HOSPITAL
Brain injuries are serious. It is highly likely that the patient will first be receiving care in the hospital, which is often fast and focused on saving the life of the individual. After the emergency room, the patient will also likely have to spend an extended amount of time in the Intensive Care Unit, where they can be attached to life-sustaining medical equipment such as a ventilator.
AFTER HOSPITALIZATION COMES REHABILITATION
After a brain injury, your life may look a lot different than it did before. Your brain will have to relearn simple processes like eating, drinking, talking, and walking, and you may have to learn to compensate for abilities that have been permanently damaged from the injury.
The purpose of brain injury rehabilitation is to help a person become more independent post-injury. The type of rehabilitation will depend on the situation, but typically you can expect the following per the Brain Injury Association of America:
- Acute Rehabilitation: This type of rehabilitation will typically happen while a patient is still in the hospital. During acute rehabilitation, you will typically learn how to dress, eat, use the bathroom, walk, and speak.
- Post-Acute Rehabilitation: This type of rehabilitation will take place at a transitional rehabilitation facility with the goal of helping the patient become independent.
- Sub-Acute Rehabilitation: For patients who can’t tolerate the more intensive post-acute rehab facilities, sub-acute rehabilitation is available at nursing facilities or nursing homes. This type of rehabilitation is designed for those who have made progress in post-acute rehab centers but aren’t making gains.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or lost wages. A brain injury isn’t just a life-changing diagnosis—someone may be liable for the injury. To determine if legal action is in your best interest, call the Fry Legal team at (404) 948-3571.
