or "no. " �
Give clear choices to choose. Do not give too many choices.Use visual aids or props, drawings, or hand signs when possible.Brain skills like memory, thinking, making decisions, and focusing. These may be difficult for you.Make sure that your home is safe so that other injuries will not happen.- Keep your bathroom safe. Avoid slipping in the bathtub or shower by having others help you. You may want to use a nonslip mat in your tub or shower.
- Keep your home free of objects that you could trip over, such as rugs or toys.
- Stay away from hot surfaces in the kitchen, like the stove.
- Do not use sharp things, tools, or other dangerous items.
Set a regular routine for toilet use.Avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.Stay away from beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) until you get well.Do not use drugs unless given by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
You will need to be watched closely. Your doctor may suggest that you have rehab care and different kinds of therapy. This may help you get your brain function back and help you get better faster. It is important that you go to all of your rehab visits. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Lower pressure inside the brain
- Treat or avoid seizures
- Help with pain and swelling
If you have a hard time remembering to take your drugs, have someone remind you, or write down a plan to follow. Certain tools like an alarm clock are also available to help you remember. � �
Will physical activity be limited?
- Physical activity may be limited for some time. Activities that call for thinking or recall might also be limited. Check with your doctor about when you can return to your normal activities. Your activities may be limited as long as you have the signs of this health problem.
- Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to drive. If you have had a seizure, check your state laws about driving.
- Ask your doctor when you can return to work. When you return to work, talk to your employer about your workload. Make sure teachers know of the problem if you are in school.
- If you are using a wheelchair, change your position in the wheelchair many times a day. Move your elbows, shoulders, and other joints often to keep them loose. This will help avoid skin sores.
- In some cases, a brain injury may cause body movement problems like paralysis, weakness, stiffness, or shaking. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
Your diet at home may need to change. This will depend on how much harm there is to the brain. Some people have problems with chewing or swallowing after a brain injury. Talk to your doctor about the right kind of diet for you. You may need help feeding yourself. � �
What problems could happen?
Brain injuries may cause changes in a persons way of life. These changes may include a different level of alertness. You may have problems being able to focus and pay attention. You may be unaware of surroundings or respond differently. In very bad cases, you may not be able to respond to any stimulus. Other changes may include: � �
- Problems with memory, learning, making decisions, or judgment
- Problems in communicating that could lead to frustrations, conflicts, and more injuries
- Changes in actions and feelings that cause anger or low mood most of the time
- Problems with hearing, smelling, or eyesight
- Seizures
- Higher chance for other brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
When do I need to call the doctor?
Problems with your brain like: � �
- More confusion, drowsiness, or any change in being aware
- Not able to remember things
- Very sleepy (more than expected) or hard to wake up
- Behavior changes like angry outbursts or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- Headache gets worse or feels different
- Seizures
Problems with your eyes, ears, or mouth like: � �
- Trouble speaking or slurred speech
- Trouble swallowing or choking
- A change in the size of one pupil (black part of your eye) as compared to the other eye
- Blurry eyesight, seeing double, or other problems with your eyesight
Problems with how you feel like: � �
- Fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills
- Upset stomach and throwing up that will not go away
- Dizziness or fainting
- Staggering or trouble walking
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Stiff neck
- Not able to care for yourself at home
Helpful tips
Think about joining a support group or program for people with brain damage. This can help both you and your family learn ways to deal with this problem better. � �
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you about my rehab care and what activities are safe for me.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more confusion or problems talking, swallowing, or walking.
Where can I learn more?
Family Caregiver Alliance � �
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=575 � �
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke � �
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anoxia/anoxia.htm � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �