What Rehabilitation Might I Need Following a Head Injury?

A head injury can happen to anyone at any time in their life. Injuries can range from a slight impact to the head resulting from a fall or minor collision resulting in transient damage; or a catastrophic blow to the head, the effects of which may dramatically alter the rest of that person's life.

About one million people in Britain require hospital treatment each year for a head injury and more than one in every 300 families suffer the long term effects of a head injury. This figure is increasing as survivors tend to be younger and often have a longer life expectancy.

What can be done to help rehabilitate a survivor of a head injury after initial surgery or other immediate treatment by the hospital?

Much depends upon the level of injury as to what further treatments may provide effective rehabilitation. Some will be provided by the professionals, either alone or with the ongoing support following advice to the injured person or their relatives.

Irrespective of the level of head injury sustained, the patient may be assessed by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who will evaluate and advise as to what steps should be taken to care for the immediate symptoms and reduce the potential of long term damage.

Doctors care for the overall daily management of the patient's treatment and advise upon medication, monitoring and assessing their needs. Medical care is often lead by a consultant specialising in neurology, together with a team of other doctors including registrars and 'house' doctors.  Nurses will attend to basic needs for dressing, cleanliness, toileting, administering some medication and feeding.

A physiotherapist may also work with the patient to improve muscle strength and soft tissue agility, helping the individual to walk either alone or with the aid of a wheelchair, frame, crutches or a walking stick. They can also help the patient to re-learn lost balance or co-ordination.

People who suffer head injuries can also experience communication difficulties. A speech therapist may help them redevelop speech and communication.

Memory loss, reduced concentration, behavioural changes and emotional reactions are all common changes to a person following a head injury. These symptoms can be helped by appropriate treatment, and which is often advised by a psychologist or psychiatrist. There are many different treatments available, depending upon the type and severity of the injury sustained. Whilst there is some overlap between the two professions, psychologists usually deal with the  use of treatments to assist improvement of impaired behaviours or thoughts, perhaps using treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, whereas psychiatrists usually diagnose, treat and medicate mental disorders.

After discharge from the initial care programme provided by the hospital, it can be a daunting prospect as to what steps need to be taken to continue on with care and rehabilitation of the injured person once back at home.

Occupational Therapists may be asked to assess the injured person, their home and sometimes workplace, advising upon techniques adaptations may help that person to regain as much of an independent life as possible.

Support and advice may also be provided by a social worker who will advise as to whether the person or their carers at home may be eligible for benefits or other support. They may also be able to access respite care for families or district nurses to come into the home to provide supportive care.

Patients who have a fully integrated rehabilitation programme set up for them ideally in advance of or very early after discharge, will often make much better progress than those who are left with no support network. Whilst this would ideally be available to everyone who needed it, practically, and with the best intentions in the world, due to overstretched NHS services alone cannot always provide an all-encompassing rehabilitation programme. 

What our specialist lawyers at www.headinjuryuk.com can do to help
People have suffered the injury as a result of an accident may be able to obtain payments from insurers for private treatment. In order to gain full advice upon what is needed to access that funding, advice should be obtained from a solicitor who specializes in head injuries and rehabilitation.

Our team of specialist lawyers at www.Headinjuryuk.com can provide you with all -encompassing advice about how to obtain funding for rehabilitation and how to pursue a claim for compensation. The issues involved are often complex and you will need a specialist solicitor to help you co-ordinate all of the available services and rehabilitation to you. It is vital to seek a solicitor's advice as early as possible so that the injured person can gain the maximum benefit from early rehabilitation.