Three Things You Must Do After A Brain Or Spinal Cord Injury
The time following a brain or spinal cord injury can be emotionally and physically difficult for the survivor and survivor's friends and family. In this segment we'll discuss three steps that should be taken following a brain or spinal cord injury.
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Step 1:
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Introduction
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Hi, my name is Marcy with brainandspinalchord.org. Today, I'll be bringing you some information on necessary steps that should be taken following an injury. Be sure to check the website for all relevant links and a recap of this article. Brain and spinal cord injuries are not only physically and emotionally difficult, but life following the injury can be extremelly difficult to navigate.
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Step 2:
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Stressful Period
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The patient, as well as his or her friends and family are likely to be overwhelmed as they try to make sense of what has happened. They don't know what to expect, they don't know how to move forward, and they're not sure what's coming next. It's certainly a confusing time, but whether you are a survivor or a loved one of a survivor there are three basic steps that will ensure you deal with the situation as effectively as possible
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Step 3:
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Research Groups
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The first step is to educate yourself. At this point, the survivor and his or her loved one will want to learn as much as possible about about the particular injury as well as potential treatment option and long term outcomes.
While there are a variety of research and support groups desinged to give you the answers you need, a medical team that specializes in brain or spinal chord injuries can also serve as a knowledgable and trustworthy source. A list of questions you may want to ask will be posted on our website at brainandspinalchord.org.
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Step 4:
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Recovery Step
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The second step is to deal with the present. Focus on the recovery by doing all that you can to ensure the healing process moves forward. The initial time following a brain or spinal chord injury can be frustrating filled with moments that take you two steps forward and one step back. Both the survivor and his or her loved ones should rememeber that recovery will evolve at its own pace. Effort is important, but so is patience.
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Step 5:
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Support The Survivor
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Support is extremely important at this stage, and the medical team can introduce you to support groups and organizations that will help you navigate life after injury. Because the survivor may not always know what is best for him or her being surrounded by supportive, knowledgable people is necessary to effective recovery.
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Step 6:
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Survivor Independence
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The survivor should attempt as much independence as possible, but should ask for help when needed. Family and loved ones should allow the survivor to do as much as possible, but should give him help when asked. Someone close to the survivor, a family member or friend, should also take on the duty of keeping others updated on the survivors' condition. Maybe keep a blog and circulating the url to friends and family is a wonderful way to keep everyone posted.
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Step 7:
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Set Goals
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The third step that should be taken forllowing a brain or spinal chord injury is to prepare for the future. Life will be different for both the survivor and his or her loved ones, and preparation is the key to meeting goals and needs head on. Experiencing a brain or spinal chord injury need not be the end of the world, and focusing on the future and what it holds can offer hope to survivors and their loved ones.
Looking forward the future should include: setting goals, determining long term care needs, researching clinical trials and other treatment, determining assisted equipment needs, and finding support groups and relevant organizations.
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Step 8:
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Pronged Approach
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A three pronged approach comprising education, dealing with the present and dealing with the future will allow both the survivor and his or her loved ones to effectively navigate the time following a brain or spinal chord injury.
Effective coping skills are critical to recovery.
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Step 9:
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Conclusion
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This concludes our segment on three steps that should be taken after a brain or spinal chord injury. Remember to check our web site for the most updated information, including resources and tips regarding brain or spinal chord injuries.