What to Expect: Stages of Recovery From Mild TBI
Tips for Healing—Adults
Here are a few tips to help you get better:
- Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
- Return to your normal activities gradually, not all at once.
- Avoid activities that could lead to a second brain injury, such as contact or recreational sports, until your doctor says you are well enough to take part in these activities.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive a car, ride a bike or operate heavy equipment because your ability to react may be slower after a brain injury.
- Talk with your doctor about when you can return to work or school. Ask your doctor about ways to help your employer or teacher understand what has happened to you.
- Consider talking with your employer about returning to work gradually and changing your work activities until you recover.
- Take only those drugs that your doctor has approved.
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages until your doctor says you are well enough to do so. Alcohol and certain other drugs may slow your recovery and can put you at risk of further injury.
- If it’s harder than usual to remember things, write them down.
- If you’re easily distracted, try to do one thing at a time. For example, don’t try to watch TV while fixing dinner.