Nine Essential Steps to Triumph Over Head Injury
**Acceptance**
Health experts believe that the more a traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient comes to terms with their condition and adjusts to their new reality, the better their recovery will be. Each person deals with TBI differently—some are determined to prove doctors wrong, while others quietly work towards their goals. Your feelings about your head injury are valid; it’s normal to experience highs and lows in the recovery process. So, don’t lose hope—recovery is a gradual journey.
**Counseling and Psychotherapy**
Recovering from a head injury can be incredibly frustrating. It’s easy to let this frustration affect other areas of your life or think talking to a counselor might help. A psychotherapist’s or counselor’s role isn’t just to show sympathy but to help you confront and overcome issues in your life. This process can be challenging and may require a long-term commitment. Before starting therapy, ensure you’re ready to address potentially buried issues, as revisiting past unhappiness might be part of the process. Not everyone finds therapy suitable, especially those with a brain injury, so if you’re considering it, look for a psychotherapist specializing in brain injuries.
**First-Year Recovery**
The first year after a head or brain injury is often seen as a key indicator of recovery prospects, although this can vary since every head injury is unique. Finding the right treatment at the right time can significantly aid your recovery. Medical research in brain injury is ongoing, and new therapies are constantly being developed, offering hope for improvement.
**Frustration**
Feeling angry and frustrated during recovery is normal, but try not to dwell on these feelings for too long. Recovery is a continuous process. Every attempt to do something new or different is a step towards getting better. Even if it’s not the life you had before, use your frustration to keep moving forward. If you hit a plateau, experimenting with new activities, no matter how small, can help you regain momentum.
**IQ**
IQ tests may be used to measure recovery, but they don’t provide the complete picture. For a former genius with a TBI, achieving a normal IQ score might not feel like progress. Practical skills often matter more in daily life than theoretical knowledge. Focus on relearning and performing everyday tasks that contribute to a quality life.
**Medication**
After a head injury, medication might become part of your life to manage symptoms such as seizures, although these drugs can impact memory. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and drawbacks of each prescribed medication. If you prefer to avoid medication, talk about long-term goals and how to minimize reliance on drugs while managing your symptoms effectively.
**Neuro Evaluation**
A normal neurological evaluation post-head injury doesn’t always mean complete recovery; some brain injuries might still affect everyday functions. The specific nature of your injury can influence these evaluations. If you continue to face challenges with mobility or cognitive skills despite a normal evaluation result, bring this up with your doctor.
**Miracle Cures**
Hoping for a miracle cure is natural. Instead of waiting for one, stay informed about the latest clinical research and discuss future possibilities with your doctors. Understanding potential new treatments can boost your outlook. Some find participating in research studies rewarding, contributing to advancements in TBI therapies. Organizations like the Medical Research Council offer opportunities to get involved in clinical trials.
**Letting Yourself Be Looked After Unnecessarily**
It’s natural to accept help after a head injury, but becoming too dependent can hinder your recovery. If you notice yourself enjoying the attention too much, try to regain your independence. Over-relying on others is known as learned dependency. Gradually taking steps to care for yourself can foster a sense of achievement and motivate further recovery, helping you return to a more normal life.
