What to Expect Immediately After and Long Term
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires significant medical treatment and perhaps even rehabilitation or physical therapy, you may be concerned about the short-term and long-term effects of your injury. What challenges can you expect in the next few months? Can you reasonably anticipate returning to the lifestyle you had previously? How long might it take for that to happen?
The length and complications involved in your recovery will depend on the type and extent of your injury. With just about any traumatic brain injury, you can expect swelling, which can cause discomfort and temporarily impair brain function. There also may be internal bleeding. When the swelling abates, however, you will customarily see improved brain function.
If your TBI is moderate to severe, you may have periods where you temporarily lose consciousness, followed by confusion or disorientation. During those times, you may find it challenging to stay focused on matters at hand. You might also experience short-term memory loss. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself easily agitated, nervous, frustrated, or restless. A traumatic brain injury can cause temporary changes in sleeping patterns, so you may suffer from insomnia or fatigue. In most cases, though, these symptoms last only a few days or a few weeks.
With most instances of traumatic brain injury, maximum recovery or improvement occurs in the first six months. That doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t continue to get better. With proper care and the right approach, you can continue to improve brain function for years, though the pace of recovery will slow down.
According to a government study, most patients with mild traumatic brain injury fully recover within three months, some in a couple weeks. Even individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI showed significant improvement—about half were able to drive two years later, and two out of three did not require any assistance in their daily living.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI). Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
