Brain injuries are common and can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. Common forms of brain injuries include concussion and traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI. There is a growing amount of research that allows us to better understand the effects of these various types of brain injuries, but how does one go about returning to their daily routines?
When recovering from a concussion or TBI, it is best to slowly ease back into everyday activities. This will help to ensure a healthy brain recovery. The ultimate goal is to eventually return to where you were before the injury occurred in a safe manner. This may mean finding ways to accommodate activities that are more likely to cause a setback in recovery. You may need to ask a friend for help with mental or physical things, such as running errands. It may be as simple as taking a break once in a while, so you do not overwork yourself.
The basic steps to remember when recovering from a concussion or TBI are:
Get evaluated as soon as possible after your injury
Rest for one to two days after your injury
Avoid dangerous activities
Start therapy and ease into physical activity
Gradually return to work or school and exercise
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective for treating patients who have suffered from a concussion or TBI. Concussion and TBI patients often experience an impact on emotional regulation and mental health. Depression and anxiety can occur in patients with brain injuries. Cognitive therapy can help a patient to edit the ways in which they think, turning negative thoughts into positive ones.
If you have suffered from a concussion or TBI and are looking to start therapy, look no further than Dr. Nicole C. Murray at New York Neurobehavioral Services. She is an experienced neuropsychologist and psychotherapist.
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