After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), life can change for everyone affected, both patients and their loved ones. That’s why Baptist Health offers comprehensive care, rehabilitation and support for families struggling to reshape their lives after a TBI.

What Is TBI?

TBI specifically refers to a brain injury caused by external trauma, like a fall, a car accident or a blow to the head (including gunshot wounds). Some TBIs can be mild concussions that don’t require significant treatment, but moderate to severe TBI may require several months or years of rehabilitation.

Recovering From TBI

After a serious TBI, patients need rehabilitation to help the brain repair itself and attempt to relearn certain tasks, such as talking, eating, walking and putting on clothes. 

Some patients may never fully recover, but many will eventually be able to enjoy daily life and activities, although they may have new physical limitations. According to research, two years after a moderate to a moderately severe TBI:

• Around 30% of people still need physical assistance from another person.
• About 25% of people will suffer from depression. 
• About 50% of people can drive.
• About 30% of people have a job, but not necessarily the same one they had.

TBI Rehabilitation Services at Baptist Health

For many people with TBI, the most critical stage of recovering from the injury happens in the first six months. While the speed of recovery may slow after that time, incremental progress will continue to happen.

At Baptist Health, our experienced rehabilitation team works together to provide consistent care for TBI patients, both inpatient and outpatient. In addition to neurologists and other physicians involved, our rehab team includes:

• Neuropsychologists help people learn to manage behaviors and cope with life changes.
• Occupational therapists teach people to perform or improve skills of daily living.
• Physical therapists train people to regain balance and strength.
• Physiatrists act as team coaches, coordinating rehabilitation services.
• Recreational therapists use leisure activities to promote healing.
• Rehabilitation nurses help navigate the various rehab services as well as inpatient and outpatient admissions and discharge.
• Social workers help patients and families access community resources for housing, transportation and more.
• Speech-language pathologists teach speaking and eating skills.
• TBI nurse specialists use their unique knowledge to assist with recovery.
• Vocational counselors identify work-ready skills and match patients with potential jobs.

For younger TBI patients, our Corbin location offers a separate pediatric outpatient rehab center, specifically designed for play and other pediatric therapies.

Support for Caregivers

Taking care of a loved one with TBI can be incredibly challenging. In addition to dealing with complex and changing medical needs, financial and insurance pressures, and possible childcare complications, caregivers may also face personality changes in their loved ones. Caregivers’ emotions are likely to run the gamut daily, from feeling thankful to frustrated to angry to sad, while generally feeling exhausted.

It’s important to find time for self-care, as well. Baptist Health can help arrange home health services that offer caregivers a respite. Baptist Health Louisville also offers a monthly Brain Injury Support Group for both patients and caregivers to strengthen coping mechanisms and provide guidance. 

Find a provider specializing in TBI treatment at a location near you.