Things You Can Do to Facilitate Your Recovery
In the immediate aftermath of a A traumatic brain injury (TBI), whether a concussion or more serious TBI, one of your first steps should be to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, who can conduct a thorough and accurate assessment. Your doctor may prescribe a regimen of care to help you return to maximum functionality, or they may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or physiatrist, if necessary.
There are also simple steps you can take in tandem with your doctor to improve your chances of a strong recovery:
- Get plenty of rest. Don’t be in a hurry to get back to your old lifestyle. More than anything, your entire body, including your brain, needs rest. Make certain that your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Remove any distractions, such as screens, and make certain the light and temperature are optimal for sleep.
- When awake, refrain from engaging in activities that require significant physical or mental effort. While your body and your brain do need exercise, too much effort can put an unnecessary strain on you and interfere with your recovery. Don’t watch television or use a laptop or tablet, and minimize your time spent on a smartphone. Those activities can put additional stress on your eyes and brain.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and any drugs not approved or prescribed by your doctors. These substances can change the chemical balance in your brain and interfere with recovery.
- Have pencil and paper near you at all times so you can write down things you might be inclined to forget. In the hours, days, and weeks following a TBI, you can expect some short-term memory loss. Writing things down can minimize the effort required to do the things you need to do and can reduce frustration.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with people who have suffered any type of traumatic brain injury, including TBIs sustained at work or in a motor vehicle accident. 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.
