No two brain injuries are exactly the same, and recovering from a brain injury will be different for every individual. For some, brain injuries cause mild symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. For others, symptoms can be severe, such as seizures, diminished cognitive function, loss of balance, or slurred speech.
The brain relies on neural circuits, which are networks of neurons connected by synapses that work together to carry out specific functions in the brain. Neural circuits control many brain functions, including movement, learning, memory, and regulating emotions. Brain injuries can damage these circuits. Luckily, neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to learn and adapt—gives people the profound ability to heal and adapt to new challenges. Neuroplasticity is the reason why brain injury rehab is so impactful and important.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change—to learn and adapt. This can include the creation of new synapses, new neurons, and new blood vessels. It also includes the brain’s ability to reassign tasks and functions to different areas of the brain in response to the damage.
How Rehabilitation Helps
When it comes to neural circuits in the brain, the old adage “use it or lose it” applies. Brain injury rehabilitation helps the brain engage the neural circuits, which results in improvements in the overall function of the body. We use an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and therapists to help people recover from brain injury. Here’s how they help:
Specific training – Physiatrists evaluate patients to help determine medical needs and treatment goals. Based on these needs and goals, the team develops a specific treatment plan. Nurses will help patients become independent with activities of daily living. Members of the therapy team—physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists—help the patient use specific training to produce specific results. For example, if a patient is struggling to stand up from a chair, prepare meals, or write letters, the therapists will practice these specific tasks rather than only training leg strength or general motor skills, for example.
Repetition – Repeating elements of rehabilitation is essential to driving changes in the brain. Therapists will combine different approaches to increase repetitions without necessarily increasing time. For example, therapists may find ways for patients to perform repetitions between sessions. A physical therapist may find ways for patients to increase their steps, a speech therapist may incorporate various techniques to engage the brain, and an occupational therapist may provide additional opportunities to practice activities of daily living.
Intensity – Medical rehabilitation in inpatient rehab hospitals is intense, and that is by design. More intense therapy programs result in more substantial changes. Therapists tailor the specific program to each patient’s unique goals.
At Milwaukee Rehabilitation Hospitals, our team of physicians, therapists, and nurses develop individualized rehabilitation plans to help each individual reach their goals. For people with traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries, this means providing a rehabilitation program that gives them the best possible chance of restoring memory and function that was once part of their daily life.
If you have experienced a brain injury, you may be searching for brain injury rehabilitation resources. We specialize in helping people recover from brain injuries. Learn more about brain injury rehab on our website. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one lead a more productive life.
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