Spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Overview

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that damages the brain. It can happen after a jolt, bump or blow to the head, or when something goes through the skull and into the brain. There may be bruising of the brain, bleeding and tearing of the nerve fibres.

Each brain injury is different, and so the impact of the injury and its recovery will be different for different people. There may be many challenges, such as with physical movement, and less visible psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The impact of the brain injury can extend to all areas of life, including managing daily activities, social interaction, taking part in society, and on quality of life.

How neuro physio can help:

Neuro physio can help by working with the individual, and others involved such as family, care and support staff, and the wider professional team involved in the situation. Rehabilitation and helping the individual to achieve the best level of recovery possible can take months to years.

The neuro physio will work with the individual where possible to identify the main issues, their goals and then develop a programme of treatment to build up towards these goals.

There are many aspects that the neuro physio may include as part of treatment, including:

Practicing ways to make everyday tasks such as getting in and out of bed, on and off different chairs, and in and out of a car.
Working on balance and mobility, perhaps with equipment such as ankles splints and walking aids.
Helping to re-learn how to move and use a weak or paralysed part of the body.
Stretches and postural advice to help with spasticity or ataxia. These cause muscle stiffness or spasms, or problems with coordination of movement.
Electrical stimulation to help the movement of limbs, and problems with ‘feeling’ or sensation in the body.
Exercises for strengthening, stretching and aerobic fitness.
Building up to being able to do more than one thing at a time, and cope with interruptions, noise, distractions, etc..
Working with other colleagues to identify strategies and include these in rehabilitation to help with difficulties with memory, attention, planning, awareness, etc..
Pacing activities, if fatigue is a problem, to optimise activity with rest periods.
Support for going out into the local community, with sessions at indoor and outdoor venues. This helps to build confidence and practice ways of addressing challenges such as steps, stairs, people and traffic.
Hydrotherapy or exercising in a gym setting, including supporting personal trainers.
Working towards goals such as returning to work and leisure activities with support and adaptations as needed.

What people say:

“I have thoroughly valued each Neuro Physio session with Anne. She fostered a
welcoming environment and dedicated time to comprehend my difficulties following
my accident and resulting TBI. After a thorough assessment, I felt reassured by her
clear explanations and the treatment plan she outlined. She also provided a tailored
set of exercises to carry out in-between sessions. I have no hesitation in
recommending Anne.”

(client’s feedback)