Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical condition that can affect one’s physical, neurological, and/ or emotional functioning and occurs as a result of experiencing a jolt or blow to one’s head. The specific symptoms that develop as a result of a TBI will vary significantly, as they depend on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, as well as the area of the brain that was injured. Further, there are many contributing factors that will influence the aftermath of a TBI. The only way for an individual that has experienced a TBI to have a chance to reverse its effects is through treatment.
In order to be properly treated and individual must obtain an accurate diagnosis and the severity (e.g., mild or moderate to severe) of the TBI must be distinguished. There are a variety of diagnostic tools used when diagnosing a TBI, including a neurological exam that evaluates one’s coordination, thinking, motor function, sensory function, eye movement, and reflexes, imaging tests such as computerize tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCD). Treatment for TBI can help to reduce, or in some cases eliminate, certain emotional, physical, and/ or cognitive TBI effects. There are a variety of treatment modalities that can help an individual recover from a traumatic brain injury.
Treatment
While there is no standard treatment for reversing brain damage, News Medical alludes to evidence that the cognitive impairments occurring as a result of a TBI are not necessarily permanent, and can be reversed with the right treatment. Effective treatment from a TBI requires a tailored and customized treatment plan for each person. The specifics that make up each individual’s treatment plan (e.g., treatment modalities, treatment setting, duration of treatment, etc.) will be informed by the individual’s nuanced recovery needs, the severity of the injury, and the area of the brain that was injured. The School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham asserts that the prognosis for successfully reversing the damage occurring from a mild TBI is generally better than that of an individual diagnosed with a moderate to severe TBI. Still, regardless of the severity, for some the effects of a TBI can be permanent, and in certain cases could result in symptoms with long-lasting effects on one’s health and quality of life. The answer as to whether or not a TBI is reversible is variable; for some individuals the long-term effects of a TBI can be overcome, while for others they may not.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one.
