Brain Recovery Therapy

Brain recovery therapy is a process used when a person suffers injury to the brain by either a traumatic or non-traumatic event. Brain injury can occur with a fall, an auto accident, a blow to the head or a bullet entering the brain . Strokes can lead to injury of brain tissues. Treatment and recovery depends on the severity of the brain injury.

Therapy

• Therapy for a brain injury will normally begin at the hospital, then continue at a rehabilitation facility. Outpatient services may also be offered. Therapy will depend on what area of the brain was injured and focus on regaining skills that were lost or learning to compensate for skill-facilitating brain processes that can no longer function.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy for brain injured patients includes treatments that help improve coordination, walking, reducing pain and restoring function for everyday tasks. Biofeedback is a form of physical therapy in which you use signs from your body, such as sensation, muscle tension and body temperature, to learn how to control pain signals and how to relax tight muscles. Physical therapy will also teach you how to stretch and strengthen muscles that may have weakened during the time your brain has needed to heal.

Occupational Therapy

• Occupational therapy for brain recovery provides assistance in regaining daily living tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing and writing. Therapists can help you learn how to use walking aids such as a walker or cane as you strengthen leg muscles to relearn how to walk. Therapy may also include speech development and helping with any swallowing problems.

Psychological Therapy

• Many brain recovery patients suffer from depression as their inability to function the way they used to leads to frustration and sadness. Sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist and the use of anti-depressants such as Prozac may help the patient improve their moods which will also help with their rehabilitation efforts.

Brain Recovery

• Depending on the amount of damage and where the damage is located in the brain will determine the extent of recovery. Mild damage to the brain may be able to heal completely. Recovery for extensive damage may mean only partial recovery. Each individual is different and recovery depends on your doctor's recommendations.