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Brain or Spinal Cord Injury

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A Kansas City accident victim’s guide to therapy after a traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury disrupts the function of the brain. Every year, approximately 1.4 million Americans sustain a TBI. Five thousand die; 235,000 are hospitalized, and many more are left temporarily or permanently disabled.

The first stage of treatment for a TBI is stabilization. Once the patient is stable, their injuries have been treated, and the amount of brain damage has been assessed, the patient will begin therapy to learn the daily living skills needed to acquire independence. In many cases, patients must relearn old skills, including speaking, dressing, eating, toileting, and walking. Therapy may occur at a therapy center or on an out-patient basis depending on the severity of the injury and the needs of the patient.

Therapy may include any or all of the following:

Physical Therapy – The goal of physical therapy is to improve the accident victim’s ability to move the body. The physical therapist guides the patient through exercises designed to build muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination. The patient will relearn skills such as walking, getting in and out of bed, on and off a toilet, or in and out of a bathtub. Physical therapists also provide training with assistive devices such as canes or walkers.

Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy is similar to physical, but addresses both physical and emotional challenges to daily life. Occupational therapy focuses on the skills needed for independence, including feeding; swallowing; grooming; bathing; dressing; toileting; moving the body on and off the toilet, bed, chair, bathtub; thinking skills; vision; sensation; driving; homemaking; money management; fine motor movement; writing; using a wheelchair and other accommodations. The occupational therapist may also fabricates splints and casts to reduce deformities and optimize muscle functioning.

Speech Therapy – Speech therapists or language pathologists work to improve a patient’s ability to express himself through speech and writing and his ability to comprehend what is seen or heard. If a patient is not able to verbalize, he may be trained in the use of assistive technology as an alternative form of communication. Because the speech pathologist focuses on the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat, they may also address swallowing issues.

Recreational Therapy – Recreational therapy focuses on activities to improve and enhance self-esteem, social skills, motor skills, coordination, endurance, cognitive skills, and leisure skills. Recreational therapy can include pet therapy, leisure education, wheelchair sports, gardening, social functions, and outings to allow the patient to apply learned skills.

Aquatic Therapy – Aquatic therapy refers to occupational therapy, physical therapy, or recreational therapy in a heated water pool. Aquatic therapists assist a person to increase strength, coordination, ambulation skills, endurance, muscle movement, and reduce pain.

Neurotherapy – Neuropsychologists focus on thinking skills, behavior, and emotional processing.

Psychotherapy – Psychiatrists and psychologist work with a patient to help them deal with the emotional effects of a traumatic brain injury.

Therapy is expensive. If your loved one is recovering from a traumatic brain injury, you may be wondering how to pay their therapy. The Kansas City brain injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys have helped many families just like yours. We know this is a hard time for you and we want to help you get the compensation you and your family deserve. Don't fight the insurance company alone; call our office at 888-348-2616.

To learn more about your rights, request our free book, “10 Essential Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim.”

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Brain or Spinal Cord Injury

• A severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in permanent and total inability to function. Can a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) also have serious consequences?
  

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