Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Oct 31, 2022

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe condition that can result from a head injury such as from a car accident or fall. In most cases, TBI is a sudden injury to the brain. Unfortunately, TBI can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life in Michigan. It can cause problems with memory, thinking, and coordination, and in some cases, it can lead to permanent disabilities.

If your or a loved one is suffering from a catastrophic brain injury, don’t despair. There is help available and understanding the ten traumatic brain injury recovery stages will help you move forward with your recovery.

The ten stages of traumatic brain injury recovery

  1. The first stage of brain injury recovery is the “incapacitation” stage. A survivor may have trouble concentrating, remembering details from before the injury, and have problems with movement and balance.
  2. The second stage is the “dazed and confused” stage, during which survivors may be disoriented and have trouble completing simple tasks.
  3. In the “incomprehensible world” stage in which survivors may find it challenging to understand what’s happening.
  4. In the “disorganized thoughts” stage, survivors may hallucinate and have delusions.
  5. In the “respite/recovery” stage, patients gradually begin to improve in areas such as memory and attention span.
  6. In the “increased vigilance” phase, patients become more aware of their surroundings and are more cautious when making decisions.
  7. In the “returning to work/school” phase, patients slowly resume normal activities.
  8. In the “full recovery” stage, patients no longer experience any symptoms or complications from their traumatic brain injury and can return to their everyday lives.
  9. During the “persistent effects” phase, survivors may experience difficulties with memory, attention span, working memory, and other areas of cognitive function.
  10. The final stage is the “adulthood” phase, during which survivors may struggle with ongoing difficulties in areas such as memory, attention span, and cognitive function that may last into adulthood.

Conclusion

When it comes to traumatic brain injury, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What might work for one individual may not work for another. The best way to know whether a particular rehabilitation program is right for you is to consult with your doctor.