How to Rejuvenate the Brain After a Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is an "abnormal bulging outward of one of the arteries in the brain,” according to brainaneurysm.com. The problem is often found once it has already ruptured, leading to bleeding in the brain (called a subarachnoid hemorrhage). A ruptured aneurysm can lead to stroke, brain damage or death. Depending on whether you were able to get your aneurysm treated before it ruptured or are recovering from a rupture, rejuvenating the brain may have different results. This kind of brain damage generally results in the need to reacquire skills through physical, occupational and speech therapies, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Instructions

• 1

  Attend physical therapy sessions. In these sessions, you will work on stretches, range of motion exercises and strengthening. Depending on your impairment, you may need therapy to relearn how to walk or even sit up by yourself. Some physical therapists may use weights or other equipment (such as bicycles) to help their patients' progress. While physical therapy may seem more focused on rejuvenating the body instead of the brain, the brain must still relearn things such as balance and muscle memory.

• 2

  Participate in occupational therapy. This type of therapy helps improve motor skills. Activities may include art therapy or puzzles to help improve the use of your hands. You may need to relearn how to dress or feed yourself as well as other life skills.

• 3

  Receive speech therapy. Some patients may need to relearn how to speak, but this therapy also helps patients with issues hearing or swallowing. Speech is the most complex and slowest area to see improvement after a brain injury such as an aneurysm, according to the Brain Injury Recovery Network.

• 4

  Undergo neuropsychological training. Depending on the amount of impairment you have suffered, tasks may include logic problems, discussing current events and simple arithmetic. Learning to cope with memory problems may also be part of this training.

• 5

  Try alternative therapies. The Brain Injury Recovery Network site lists several alternative options for helping your brain “rewire.” Acupuncture, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology and Reiki may be especially helpful with the side effects some patients may experience during recovery such as headaches and fatigue. Aquatic therapy also provides numerous benefits such as muscle relaxation and increasing circulation.