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At least two million Americans are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, as a result of a car accident, a fall, a physical assault, or blunt-force trauma. While TBIs often leave survivors with unique experiences, every patient faces unique and different recovery patterns. During Brain Injury Awareness Month each March, cognitive or "brain injury" is highlighted to raise awareness of this debilitating condition and ways to maintain quality of life for individuals living with it. The Invisible Injury: what you don't see can hurt you TBI survivors often refer to their condition as "invisible injury." They experience this because TBIs always do not display any outward symptoms and can thus go unnoticed until they worsen to the point that they need assistance. Because of this, the condition and its hardships often lead to a lot of misunderstandings. Misconceptions vs. Realities The Brain Injury Association of the United States and other agencies have run campaigns intended to provide tangible platforms for people living with trauma-related brain injuries. These programs serve people with TBIs by dispelling myths and allowing them to share their experiences with them instead of relying on myths that concern them. Misconception: Absent visible wounds, an injured individual will likely be expected to perform their everyday functions just as they did before the accident. Reality: It's easy to be uncertain about a person's recovery when we notice changes in their behavior but no sign of noticeable physical trauma. Traumata caused by an external fall is likely to heal relatively quickly, but psychological trauma and neurological and psychological changes may persist longer. It is always important to recognize TBIs can cause long-term health conditions that impact the survivor's capacity to participate in daily activities like school, work, socializing, and spending time with family. Misconception: The most practical way to help someone with a traumatic brain injury is to help them complete tasks. Reality: It's natural to feel the urge to offer assistance, and it can be hard to watch a loved one struggle with everyday duties. But try to remain calm and allow them to complete tasks independently unless you are explicitly requested for help. While this may seem counterintuitive, using this technique can actually help the person improve his skills faster and eventually enhance their confidence and self-worth. Misconception: Having endured a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you can't participate in social activities anymore. Reality: Survivors of brain injuries have a wide variety of adaptive devices available to help them remain active and gain confidence. Pro Therapy Supplies offers a range of rollators, canes, and wheelchairs suitable for long term care that may fulfill the requirements of a diverse range of patients. Rollators are a popular choice as they are adept at offering support and mobility over extended periods of time. The patient can choose to stand or sit depending on their energy level. A cane is another viable walking aid that provides stability and makes it possible for a person to stand or walk as long as they are comfortable. In circumstances in which mobility is limited, wheelchairs enable necessary transportation. Don't Struggle Alone: Connect with Supportive Solutions! If you are a caregiver or a first-degree relative of a TBI survivor, active listening and communication are helpful ways to understand his or her struggles and come up with effective solutions. Mobility aids can assist people with challenging conditions like poor mobility and muscle weakness. With the help and appropriate treatment, many who have endured long-term brain damage can adapt to a new reality and lead full lives with a sense of happiness. 
Pro Therapy Supplies offers a wide assortment of high-quality Mobility Devices and Long Term Care products designed to help improve stability and meet a wide variety of patients’ desires. Click through our wide variety of disposable and durable medical products to learn more.
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