Getting Started with Brain Injury Therapy
Brain injuries can affect anyone, in all walks of life. Acquired brain injuries are any brain injuries caused since birth. They can commonly happen as a result of falls, motor accidents, tumors or strokes. At Speechaim we work with patients suffering from a range of brain injuries and we provide expert care and therapy.
Types of brain injury
Brain injuries are categorised into mild, moderate or severe. This is dependent on whether the injury caused unconsciousness, how long the unconsciousness lasted for and the severity of symptoms. Serious brain injuries threaten cognitive health in two ways:
Direct effects:
- The inability to recall the traumatic event,
- Lack of coordination,
- Problems with hearing or vision,
- Trouble learning or remembering new information,
- Confusion.
Indirect effects:
- Some brain injuries can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s or another type of Dementia,
- This can take place years after the injury itself.
Rehabilitation after a brain injury
The rehabilitation process after a brain injury tends to be unpredictable. This is because each injury is unique and requires individual treatment. At Speechaim we provide expect therapists to design your recovery process around you. By analysing your personal injuries, we can design a rehabilitation programme designed to give you the best possible chance of recovery.
Unlike cells in other parts of the body brain cells cannot regenerate themselves.
Recovery is still possible as the nature of the brain is very flexible, capable or reorganising itself into new paths, regaining some function.
The Speechaim rehabilitation process helps your brain develop alternate ways of functioning while minimising the risk of future damage.
Timescale of recovery
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One/two months: difficult to assess rehabilitation time, but will require months or years of care.
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6 months: There will be a clearer idea of the injury, but this is too early a stage for treatment in most cases as further damage could be caused.
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1 year: Decisions can be made for the future of recovery; physical recovery may be quite quick, but the psychological issues cause much longer-term damage.
Speech Therapy for Brain Injury
Speechaim provides numerous forms of therapy, but it is important to be realistic about what can be achieved. We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible treatment, improving the life of the patient and their loved ones.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy begins with the movement of the body. This aims to improve the comfort of the patient while increasing their sense of wellbeing and independence.
Speech and language therapy: This therapy aims to help patients communicate successfully after a brain injury has been acquired. Our therapists are available one-on-one to provide the best possible care and help reduce difficulties communicating.
Family Therapy: This therapy creates a safe bond for families to talk about and tackle brain injuries. The support of family can be a great benefit for recovery, and we aim to help improve quality of life.
All of our therapies are tailor made to help tackle your unique injury. Through patience and long-term goals out therapists will aid your recovery.