Brain damage is a very serious medical condition, so any type of head injury is generally treated as a medical emergency. Brain damage may occur due to natural events such as a stroke or ruptured blood vessel, known as an aneurysm. More frequently, brain damage is the result of traumatic injury such as an automobile accident or physical abuse. Brain damage recovery can be a life-long process and typically begins in the hospital with supportive medical care. Once released from the hospital, the patient may need months or years of assistance, ranging from physical and occupational therapy to round-the-clock medical care.
Each case of brain injury is different. Brain damage recovery depends upon the extent of the damage as well as the portions of the brain that have sustained damage. The first step in brain damage recovery is aimed at saving the life of the patient. Extensive medical tests may be performed, and in some cases emergency surgery may be required. This type of surgery is usually performed to remove excess blood or fluid in order to prevent or control brain swelling. Once the brain swells to the point where it is pressing against the skull, further brain damage, sometimes leading to death, may occur.
Once the patient is medically stable, supportive care can begin, and the amount of damage to the brain can be adequately assessed. In many cases, the patient will need assistance learning to walk and talk again as well as perform once normal everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, or using the restroom. A team of professionals will work together in helping the patient regain as much function as possible. Physical and occupational therapists can aid in brain damage recovery by helping the patient regain muscle strength and learn to perform self-care rituals. A speech therapist can help when speaking or swallowing is a problem due to the brain injury.
Counseling is often an integral part of brain damage recovery. The patient may have varied emotional issues while learning to cope with a different way of life and having new limitations. It is often helpful for the caregivers to receive counseling or therapy as well, as brain injury affects everyone who is close to the brain injury victim. Most doctors are willing and able to help the family find local support groups that may prove to be helpful during the various stages of brain damage recovery.