The Different Levels of Care After a Traumatic Brain Injury

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Healthcare Measures Necessary to Maximize Recovery

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to cause long-term adverse health consequences if not carefully monitored and treated. Accordingly, you can anticipate that after a blow to the head, your care will go through a series of stages. How long you remain at one level of care depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injury, whether you’ve had a TBI before, and your general health.

Phase 1: Emergency Care

In the immediate aftermath of any blow to the head, whether sustained in a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or some other mishap, you should seek treatment at the scene of the accident or at a hospital or urgent-care facility. This care focuses on stabilizing your condition and minimizing the risk of additional neurological injury. EMTs or other emergency personnel should verify that you’re getting adequate oxygen to your brain and that your blood pressure is good.

Phase 2: Acute Care

Once you’re stabilized, you may be admitted to the hospital, where medical professionals will closely monitor your condition over a period of days or weeks, if necessary, to ensure that your brain is healing. Doctors typically will perform diagnostic evaluations and may send you to a specialist for treatment.

Phase 3: Acute Rehabilitation

Once it’s determined that you’re healing, doctors will work closely with you to develop and implement a gradual rehabilitation plan. It’s not uncommon for a patient to be in rehab for four to six weeks, during which time specialists will help reestablish cognitive and motor skills.

Phase 4: Sub-Acute Rehabilitation

If you are unable to perform essential daily tasks after acute rehabilitation, you may be placed in sub-acute rehab, typically either in a hospital or skilled nursing program. This phase can last a few months and is designed to maximize your ability to function on a daily basis.

Phase 5: Neurobehavioral Care

If, after rehab, you still have difficulty managing behaviors or impulses, your doctor may recommend that you go into a specialized intensive rehab unit with 24-hour supervision, where you’ll work with healthcare professionals to develop the skills to live independently.

Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment

At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Call us toll-free at 1-866-586-1755 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.