Targeted Search

Ron Broughton of Brookhaven Hospital talks about moving away from standardized rehab treatments for people with TBI and focusing on a truly individualized model.

Dr. James Malec talks about the difficulties of measuring outcome in TBI since targeted outcomes can range from the patient opening his eyes to managing headaches to getting back to work.

Holistic rehab is the "whatever it takes" model. Balance issues may be treated by a PT and depression by a psychologist, but therapies overlap for the outcome of the whole person.

Cognitive rehab for people with TBI includes any intervention that addresses cognitive problems — from using a smartphone to help with memory to developing particular visual-spatial skills.

Among other key strategies, Retired Navy Commander Bernadette Semple learned that making a detailed schedule each day and sticking to it is crucial for success after brain injury.

Healthcare providers can help vets with TBI and combat stress find other ways than pharmaceuticals to help in recovery — from riding horses to kayaking with other vets.

Traumatic — and joyful — experiences change who we are. We cannot "fix" soldiers coming home with combat stress, rather help them move on and become new versions of themselves.

The VA — along with the DoD — works with veterans and some active duty service members and their families to help them rebuild their lives after TBI and other polytrauma injuries.

Keeping a journal, taking videos, and looking back to mark progress can help families with a loved one with a severe TBI. But most importantly, families need to seek help.

Most stays in an acute rehab facitily are too short for people with brain injury. Familes need to make each day count and look ahead to next steps.

Providers know a treatment plan works best when the patient and family are involved with the medical team; the group can set realistic and meaningful rehab goals for quality of life.