The Brain Hidden Within

So here you are. The frightening diagnosis of a brain injury, concussion, post-concussion, mild concussion; it comes in many forms. That’s ok, you think, “it is going to get better, I get hurt and I get better. I always do………right?”. Until now.

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects how your brain functions. These effects can be short-term, lasting only a few hours or a couple of days, or cause long-term problems. Long lasting effects can be normal after sustaining an injury of the nature.

Months and maybe even years have gone by with little to no improvement. You continue to experience constant headaches, ringing in your ears, neck pain, and feel as though you have the attention span of a toddler! Other areas may be impacted as well such as mood, feeling more emotional, having higher levels of anxiety, experiencing balance issues and significant challenges falling asleep. You are having trouble following along, can’t find your words…. No one understands where you are coming from, “You look fine, you must be better by now” they say! Who am I?

 

Initial Steps to Recovery

So just to lay the foundation of your recovery, lets make sure that you have implemented the basics. Pacing, consistent routines, SLEEP and good sleep hygiene, nutrition, and exercise.  Firstly, ensure you follow these quick tips as a foundation:

  • Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day
  • Routine, routine, routine – try to make bedtime and wake up times consistent
  • Pace yourself! You need to listen to your body and take breaks BEFORE you crash
  • Avoid activities, such as contact or recreational sports, that could lead to a second concussion
  • Return to your normal activities including work gradually with the help of an Occupational Therapist
  • If you’re easily distracted, try to do one thing at a time, avoid multi-tasking
  • Write down the things that may be harder than usual for you to remember
  • Avoid sustained computer use, including computer/video games early in the recovery process
  • Limit alcoholic beverages and focus on nutrient rich food
  • Move your body! Start small and add on, keep an eye on your heart rate

 

NEXT STEPS – How Specialized Concussion Rehab Can Help Promote Recovery

Alright, you have implemented these strategies and are STILL experiencing issues.  At this point, in particular if you have not done so to date, seeking out specialized concussion rehabilitation is important.  Multi-disciplinary treatment clinics with medical oversight and therapists with advanced training in neuro-rehab and concussion management is essential.  Rehab should be personalized to your persistent challenges and can include strategies to address persistent physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms.  Rehab can be hard work but it is worth it to help you start to recover and resume activities you love doing!

Persistent difficulties with your thinking a challenge? What if we told you that we offer a structured approach that is founded with YEARS of research to support it? The Complex Injury Rehab (CIR) Cognitive Recovery Program embeds the neuroplastic approach of the brain to aid in recovery in several aspects of life. By using a neuroplastic approach, we work on strengthening the brain’s ability to change and adapt, which in return helps individuals learn or re-learn new skills and strengthen their cognitive abilities.

The CIR Cognitive Recovery Program, powered by the Brain Enhance & Recovery System (BEARS) improves impairments noted below (to name a few):

  • Mental Fog
  • Decision making & problem solving
  • Maintaining focus and attention
  • Reading comprehension
  • Impulsiveness
  • Memory retention
  • Cognitive Fatigue
  • Screen Tolerance

The CIR Cognitive Recovery Program offers:

  • Flexible training times
  • Opportunity for online and in person training
  • Clinical education & guidance throughout the program
  • A research-based approach to cognitive rehabilitation

The Brain Enhance and Recovery System is a research-based cognitive program that has shown remarkable results in helping people address their individual cognitive challenges and enhance their brain health.

 

Reach out For Help

Reach out to the team at Complex Injury Rehab https://complexinjury.com/ for more information!  Explore opportunities to return to the person you once knew and start feeling more like your old self again! Find your brain hidden within!

-Shannon Orr