Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 12) CONDITIONS behavioral and memory problems; and persistent vegetative state. Injured brain tissue can recover over a short period of time. However, once brain tissue is dead or destroyed, there is no evidence that new brain cells can regrow. The process of recovery usually continues even without new cells, perhaps as other parts of the brain take over the function of the destroyed tissue. The rehabilitation process begins immediately after injury. Once memory begins to be restored, the rate of recovery often increases. However, many problems may persist, including those related to movement, memory, attention, complex thinking, speech and language, and behavioral changes. Beyond the obvious physical effects of brain injury, survivors frequently cope with depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, altered personality and, in some cases, a lack of self-awareness by the injury survivor of any existing deficits. Rehab may include cognitive exercises to improve attention, memory and executive skills. These programs are structured, systematic, goal-directed and individualized; they involve learning, practice and social contact. Sometimes memory books and electronic paging systems are used to improve particular functions and to compensate for deficits. Psychotherapy is an important component of a comprehensive rehabilitation program; it’s used to treat depression and loss of self-esteem. Rehab may also include medications for behavioral disturbances associated with TBI. Some of these drugs have significant side effects in persons with TBI and are used only in compelling circumstances. Behavior modification has been used to reduce personality and behavioral effects of TBI and in retraining social skills. Vocational training is also common to many rehab programs. According to a consensus statement on brain injury from the National Institutes on Health, persons with TBI and their families should play an integral role in the planning and design of their individualized rehabilitation programs. Sources National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Texas Head Injury Association, Brain Injury Resource Center, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 12
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