17/03/2020
Living with Brain Injury
The human brain in undoubtedly the most complicated organ and it's still not completely understood. Doesn't it amaze you sometimes how your brain can store so many thoughts? Remember the sequence of every single thing that you do from the time that you wake up, until you go back to bed? Well, it's certainly the most unique part of the body which keeps all the other parts functioning together in harmony.
This valuable organ is placed inside an almost impenetrable thick skull. However, a bump / blow or jolt (traumatic brain injury) to the head or blockage /rupture of blood supply (stroke) can result brain injury, thus altering the normal function of the brain. More than 3.5 million people in a year, all around the world sustain a brain injury, of which 50 thousand result in death. Head injury happens due to falls road traffic accidents (RTA), sports injury or violence. In India 60% is due to RTA. It is almost 25 times higher than developed countries and we are the capital in the world for brain and spinal cord injury. Influence of alcohol plays a role at 15-20% in India. It is estimated that every three minutes some dies on our roads. Pedestrians and Pillion riders are equally affected from such accidents.
Those who survive a brain injury, can face long lasting effects including disability. Some people regain consciousness within a few days, while others may take weeks to months. Symptoms may range from mild; states of confusion, being emotionally unstable, lack of sleep, irritable, slurring of speech to severe; being completely bed ridden and unable to move. Physical disabilities may leave a person unable to move his hands and legs to stand or walk. Ability to understand, speak and swallow might be significantly affected. The person will not be able to perform his/her daily living activities, engage in meaningful social gathering and would impose restrictions in their participation. These stages are devastating to most caregivers, but is it the time to give up? Is there hope?
There is hope with - Neurological Rehabilitation. After medical management, the next 3-6 months are of prime importance for recovery. Undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program for brain injury, during this period can prove fruitful. Hamsa Spine and Brain Rehab located in Royapettah, Chennai is a 20 bedded in-patient facility which runs a protocol based Brain Injury Rehabilitation program. The specialist who take care of patients provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, swallowing therapy, psychological rehabilitation, nursing care, tracheostomy based on the patients specific requirements. The period of rehabilitation is usually 2-3 months where the therapists would help train the various muscles of the body to regain strength, power and coordination. Help the person regain access to communication, perform all activities independently and slowly get back to a near normal life. Recovery would take time, rehabilitation would remain as a continual ongoing process - but would constantly aim to improve the individuals quality of life.
Its very important that anyone with either a minor or a severe head injury is given an opportunity to have rehabilitation.
Visit our website www.hamsarehab.com
Phone: 09555404040
Email: [email protected]
Post by: Dr G Balamurali, Managing Director, Hamsa Rehab.
