A brain injury is among the most debilitating kinds of injuries. It is a highly common injury, too. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, as many as 1.5 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year.
Of course, these injuries are extremely difficult to diagnose. Many observers have started referring to TBIs as a “silent epidemic,” according to Brainline.org.
Victims of serious brain injuries can experience a devastating long-term impact. This adverse impact is made all the more intense if a victim does not receive adequate rehabilitative services. For so many people, a brain injury comes with a long road to recovery.
It is imperative that brain injury victims have resources at their disposal so that they get the medical care they need. In many cases, it is advisable to get a victim into one of Chicago’s top traumatic brain injury long-term care facilities as soon as possible after an accident.
We know that early and vigorous intervention is a critical part of the traumatic brain injury recovery process.
What Can Friends and Family Members Do to Help?
If your loved one has suffered a serious brain injury, you are likely left feeling overwhelmed. It is normal for loved ones to experience feelings of confusion and helplessness. Many family members report that they feel unprepared for the challenges of brain injury rehabilitation.
The good news is there are proactive steps you can take that will help support your loved one’s physical and psychological recovery. The following is a list of three of the most important tips for friends and family members:
1. Create the right environment.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can take a considerable amount of time. You can help hasten the recovery by creating the right environment to support your loved one. Certainly, a loud concert is not the right place for a recovering brain injury victim. Still, creating the right environment takes much more than reducing noise. You need to help your loved one through the challenges he or she faces and get the support in place so your loved one can focus on recovering.
Rehabilitation is never easy. This means that your loved one will need to be in a place where they feel fully comfortable and supported. They will also need to be able to engage in day-to-day activities that are appropriate for their rehabilitative current condition.
2. Remain understanding.
A severe brain injury quite literally changes the way the brain operates.
A human brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body. As such, changes to the brain can manifest themselves in so many different ways. Beyond physical impairment, brain injury victims often report mental issues as well.
For example, common psychological symptoms include memory problems, anger, irritability, difficulty sleeping, intense anxiety and the desire for social isolation.
Of course, this does not only impact the victim. It also impacts family members that are trying to be supportive. Brain injury rehabilitation is difficult for everyone involved. One of the most important things to do to help your loved one, and yourself, is to try to understand that these difficulties are normal.
3. Seek professional assistance.
Finally, you and your loved ones should not try to go through the brain injury rehabilitation process on your own. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to help you injured loved one is to seek immediate professional help.
Several brain rehabilitation centers and the support services exist throughout the Chicago region. Many people have faced the challenges that you are facing, and a number of professionals are here to help.
What Are Top Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centers in Chicago?
The following are facilities that provide TBI rehabilitation services in Chicago. (Our listing of these facilities should not be read as an endorsement. This list is provided for informational purposes only.)
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
According to the most recent rankings published by U.S. News and World Report, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is the number one rehabilitation hospital in the country.
RIC is located on the north side of the city. The facility works with alliance hospitals throughout the state of Illinois.
RIC offers rehabilitation programs in many different areas. It has a dedicated brain injury rehabilitation program that has been designated a “model system.” It was designed by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation.
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital
The Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital is located in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District, near Douglas Park. The hospital has a long track record of positive outcomes for patients and offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient service to victims of brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, according to its website.
Schwab also has a brain injury program that provides patients with fully individualized services and is dedicated to helping each patient reach the maximum possible level of recovery and independence.
Schwab’s program is innovative in many ways. For instance, it focuses on helping brain injury victims to build up their job skills. This allows victims to return to the workforce in a position that best suits their needs and condition.
Amen Clinics
At Amen Clinics, Doctor Daniel Amen offers a brain rehabilitation program that focuses on properly diagnosing traumatic brain injuries. This is because an incorrect or inadequate diagnosis can lead to patients missing out on much needed medical care. Amen Clinics uses a process known as brain SPECT imaging to assess the functioning of the brain.
SPECT imaging gives medical professionals far more information than does a traditional CAT scan or MRI scan. By using this advanced technology, along with targeted treatment plans, Amen Clinics aims to help brain injury victims maximize their quality of life.
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a non-profit membership group that helps support brain injury victims. The group includes victims, friends and family members as well as medical professionals.
The medical professionals in the organization include many top traumatic brain injury specialists. The organization focuses on many different goals, including:
- Providing patients and their families much needed information
- Educating the general public of the effects of brain injuries
- Advocating for the rights and interests of victims
- Working to get victims the resources and support services they need.
Finding Legal Help When You Are in Need
It is imperative that your loved one receives quality care if he or she is dealing with a brain injury. If the brain injury was caused by negligence, it is in your best interests to contact a skilled attorney at the office of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., today. Our legal professionals can examine your circumstances and advocate on your behalf.
