ADULT REHABILITATION · Health guide
Rehabilitation After Brain Injury
The scope of rehabilitation, the involvement of the family and the goals of follow-up in difficulties with movement, attention and daily life after brain injury.
Updated: · General information
What is it?
Brain injury, whether caused by trauma or other factors, can affect movement, balance, attention and communication. Rehabilitation is planned in coordination with acute medical treatment.
How is it assessed?
Sitting, standing, walking and daily self-care skills are assessed. Where there are cognitive, swallowing or communication needs, the relevant specialists are involved.
How is rehabilitation planned?
Safe transfers, task-oriented movement practice and family training are included in the programme. The duration and extent of recovery vary from person to person; goals are updated regularly.
Which areas besides movement are assessed?
After brain injury, attention, memory, behaviour, communication and swallowing may be affected as well as balance and strength. Being able to perform a movement is not the same as being able to use it safely in daily life. The assessment also observes the person’s understanding of instructions, their fatigability and their response to environmental stimuli.
How is the return to home life prepared?
Concrete goals are set, such as bed-to-chair transfers, toileting, dressing and moving about the home. Relatives may need to learn safe assistance techniques, and excessive stimulation may need to be reduced. Return to work, to school or to driving requires separate assessment; improvement in walking alone does not imply competence in these areas.
Your questions
Patient information
Can a definite timescale for recovery be given?
The cause and extent of the damage and the accompanying problems differ from case to case. Goals are updated through regular assessment; no definite recovery date or guarantee of outcome can be given.
Should the family take part in the sessions?
Family training can be arranged with the person’s consent and according to need. The aim is to make the help and communication provided through the day consistent.
