Getting the care you need after a traumatic brain injury

Brain injury is a national epidemic, according to the Texas Brain Injury Alliance. It is estimated that more than 144,000 Texans sustain brain injuries each year. That is one every four minutes. More than 381,000 live with a disability caused by a brain injury.

TBI is unpredictable

Brain injuries impact people in different ways. What you should know about your brain injury:

• Your brain injury does not define who you are – you still have a brain and a great deal to offer the world
• No two brain injuries are alike – The effects of a brain injury vary greatly and depend on many different factors

If you suspect a brain injury, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Neurological assessments can help you to get the full scope of the problem. You may need care for the rest of your life when it comes to this injury.

The treatment process

Generally, the first steps in treatment are in the emergency room. You receive an evaluation and treatment in the ER before moving to a unit in the hospital. This depends on the severity your injury. You might even have to be moved to a specialty neurotrauma unit.

Once you are ready to enter rehabilitation, your team of doctors should get you into a program. There are many inpatient care facilities, but you may need long term acute care. Some patients get in-home therapy that is community-based. You might have to live in a nursing care facility or a supported living home group while you are recovering and regaining your health.

Your team of health care professionals

Along with the physicians, you might have many other people involved with your TBI care. This could include:

• Attorneys to advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to as part of your TBI claim.
• Social workers help you manage your team of health care professionals, treatment goals, financial costs, insurance and other aspects of treatment.
• Rehabilitation specialists monitor your medical status and help restore your functioning.
• Speech and language pathologists may assist if you need to relearn communication skills or find new ways to communicate.
• Physical therapists treat your ability to move your body by improving muscle strength and flexibility.
• Occupational therapists help you with activities to overcome your current challenges. These could be as simple as relearning to brush your hair or fine motor skills, but it could be much more complex, such as helping you drive again or practice money management skills.

Take care of yourself and find a better quality of life following a brain injury

If your brain injury is due to negligence on the part of another person or on-the-job accident, you may need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to get the financial resources to cover the costs associated with your injury. You need to focus on getting well instead of fighting an insurance company.