#Lifestyle

#Motivation

#Neofect Solutions

#Rehabilitation

Consider functional things that you can do with your affected side. Get out of the habit of moving your affected side with your "good" or non-affected side.

4 Tips for Combating Hemiplegia Using the Power of the Brain

With repetition as one of the main keys to improving movement, it’s important to 
consider creative ways to incorporate repetition into your daily rehabilitation
routine. Using virtual reality rehab devices such as the Neofect Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] and Neofect Smart Board
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] can increase repetition 10x (250-300
repetitions) in the same amount of time as an outpatient therapy session (32
repetitions).



Here are four other ways that you can work on incorporating more repetition into
your daily rehabilitation routine:
 1. Consider functional things that you can do with your affected side. Even if
    it seems insignificant, something like using your affected side to turn on
    and off a light switch or open the fridge every time you do it, reinforces
    voluntary repetition. This idea of “forced-use” helps to reorganize the
    brain and recreate pathways to improve motor control. Additional repetition
    of functional movement can be added to your routine at home by using the
    Neofect Smart Glove or Smart Board. Virtual reality solutions like the 
    Neofect Smart Rehab devices [https://www.neofect.com/us] can encourage 10x
    more repetitions than traditional therapy sessions alone.
    
    
 2. Get out of the habit of moving your affected side with your “good” or
    non-affected side. For repositioning needs, try to move the side affected by
    the stroke on its own first before jumping in to “help”. It’s really easy to
    fall into “learned non-use” where your brain starts to forget about your
    affected side based on avoiding it as part of your daily routine. Force it
    to do as much active work as you can on a daily basis.
    
    



 3. Visualization has been proven to be an effective technique for motor
    improvement, even if you don’t have the functional movement to do the task
    itself. Visualization has long been used by high level athletes as a tactic
    for working toward maximizing their performance. For individuals that have
    had strokes, visualization of a particular activity such as raising the arm
    or leg, sends blood flow to the area of the brain responsible for that
    motion, activating that area.
    
    
 4. Mirror box therapy can also be effective in using the mirror neurons of the
    brain to trick the brain into thinking that the affected side is moving in a
    normal manner. In a review of studies on mirror therapy compared to other
    interventions, mirror therapy was shown to have a significant effect on
    motor function as well as pain and visual neglect.
    
    


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone: (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]

Lang, Catherine E et al. “Observation of amounts of movement practice provided
during stroke rehabilitation.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
vol. 90,10 (2009): 1692-8. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2009.04.005

Neuroplasticity

Research done on our RAPAEL Smart Glove and other therapy devices has shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years after the incident!

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Your Rehabilitation

The research was done on RAPAEL Smart Glove and other therapy devices have shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years after the incident!

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Rehabilitation

Neuroplasticity for Stroke Paitents' Rehabilitation


If you have been in rehabilitation for a brain injury
[https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home], such as trauma or a stroke you have
probably heard the term neuroplasticity. It might sound intimidating, but it is
one of the most important concepts related to recovery.

Neuroplasticity is simply a catch-all term to describe the many ways that the
brain and nervous system change, both in our everyday lives as well as in
recovery after an injury.

A Brief History


The word “plasticity” first appeared in an 1890 textbook called The Principles
of Psychology, written by esteemed philosopher and psychologist William James.
He describes the brain as a collection of pathways through which information
must travel. The information the brain needs to move the hand, for example, must
travel from point A in the brain to point B before the hand actually moves.

Usually, that information takes a specific path, one that is deep-seated that
path is tread many times just in the course of an hour; the brain learns to use
that path as the fastest way to get the hand moving. However, when something
happens to block that path, such as an injury or stroke that interrupts blood
flow to the brain, the information at point A still needs to find a way to point
B, just on a different path.

It’s a bit like Google Maps [http://www.google.com/maps]. If a traffic accident
causes delays on your normal commute home, Google Maps may direct you to take
different streets in order to get you home earlier.

How Times Have Changed


Studies on neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to change itself are still
very new, having only started 50 years ago. Back then, the idea that the brain
could change in any way was unheard of. It was believed that we were born with
all the brain cells that we would ever have, and the brain was incapable of
regenerating itself. The medical community believed that any damage to the brain
was irreparable.Unfortunately, this school of thought still exists in the world
of neurologic recovery, even though scientific discovery continues to show that
we can indeed make changes and recover from damage to the brain and neural
pathways, even years and decades after the initial injury.

Patients still hear from their doctors and therapists that whatever improvements
they’ve made after a certain time (typically 6 months to a year) is all that
would ever be possible. Patients then feel like there is no reason to continue
with rehabilitation because it is simply “too late.”

Is It Ever “Too Late?”
Admittedly, the brain is best primed for re-wiring shortly after the injury or
stroke, meaning those new pathways are much easier to develop the closer
rehabilitation starts from the actual injury.

However, there are always opportunities for continued recovery. Research done on
our Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] and other
therapy devices has shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years
after the incident! The adult brain is not only capable of changing, but
actually does change continuously throughout life, in response to everything we
do and every experience we have.

What Does This Mean for Me?


Now that you understand the theory and science behind neuroplasticity, here are
the three most important principles of neuroplasticity that affect your
recovery.

 1. It absolutely is possible to see physical improvements years and decades
    after the stroke or brain injury. New brain mapping technology and rehab
    studies continue to provide scientific support to this notion.
    
    
 2. Effective training is mostly about how many repetitions of task-based
    movements a patient performs in any given session; how those repetitions are
    performed matters less. In other words, just do it!
    
    
 3. Studies have shown that patients need far more training repetitions during
    rehab sessions in order to maximize functional improvement after a stroke or
    brain injury. Average practice in clinical studies is about 30 minutes per
    day and recent research (Schneider et al, 2016) demonstrates that 80 minutes
    per day is actually ideal to maximize results.
    
    

You may now be wondering how you can fit in the required amount of repetitions
needed in your day-to-day life. The outpatient therapy that most people can
access through insurance, typically 2-3 visits per week for 30-60 minutes,
simply isn’t enough.

As you may have guessed, the Neofect Home Smart Rehab program
[https://www.neofect.com/us] was designed with repetitions in mind, and making
the best use of the time spent in training activities.

How, you ask? We’ll go over ways to increase repetitions and practice, and how
our products can help, in our next blog post!


If you would like to learn more about Neofect Smart Glove
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/smart-rehab-solution/products/neofect-smart-glove] 
or any of our stroke rehabilitation [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] and
recovery products, please call at (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] or email 
info@neofect.com.

--

Reference: J Physiother. 2016 Oct;62(4):182-7

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Post Stroke Rehabilitation

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Rehab

The ability to do these simple tasks reduces dependency on others, improves potential for employment and enhances quality of life. 

How to regain hand grasp and function

Spinal cord injury has been recorded in the hieroglyphs of Egypt. You can
imagine the trauma that might have been sustained by workers of the great
pyramids. This would be one of the first recorded industrial accidents.
Pictorial evidence of urinary catheterization has been recorded by these early
historians. It seems that spinal cord injury and other paralysis have been with
us since the dawn of mankind.

Life after a spinal cord injury can sometimes feel a little hopeless because you
have to rely on someone else for everything, even simple everyday tasks like
feeding yourself or brushing your teeth. Although modern medicine has not yet
found a way to cure paralysis, modern technology is starting to bridge the gap.

Table of contents

 * How to adapt on your daily life
 * Functional devices assist with everyday tasks
 * Neomano: Regain hand function and independence

 How to adapt on your daily life
More than one third of spinal cord injury survivors sustain an injury that
causes damage to the spinal cord in the cervical region and results in
tetraplegia. Most people with tetraplegia remain wheelchair-dependent and
reliant on others for physical care. Limited hand and upper limb function is
often more disabling and of greater importance to them than their inability to
walk. Even modest improvements in hand function can have life-changing
implications. For example, a small amount of finger movement enables a person
with tetraplegia to use a keyboard, press a switch, scratch the face and turn
the page of a book. The ability to do these simple tasks reduces dependency on
others, improves potential for employment and enhances quality of life.
Expanding these activities could be the aim of rehabilitation.



 Functional Devices Assist with Everyday Tasks
Over the years there have been many functional splints and devices created to
assist people with everyday tasks. One of the most commonly used functional
devices is called a universal cuff. A universal cuff can be used in a variety of
ways such as to hold a feeding utensil, tooth brush, or makeup brush, etc.
Depending on the level of the spinal cord injury, one may require a wrist
support splint along with the universal cuff or a mobile arm support which will
provide a gravity eliminated position for the upper extremity, allowing active
movement while utilizing less muscle strength.

Another common practice is utilizing foam to build up objects such as feeding
utensils, tooth brush, or writing utensils. If someone needs a little more
support for writing they may be recommended a functional writing splint such as
a figure eight splint or a Wanchik Writer splint.

There have been many other devices and custom splints created in order to
perform fun activities such as gardening, fishing and painting.


NeoMano: Regain Hand Function and Independence
Soft robotics is an emerging discipline that combines the classical principles
of robotics with soft materials and could provide a new class of active
assistive devices.  Neofect has created a soft robotic assistive device called 
NeoMano [http://neomano.neofect.com/] that helps with hand motions in order to
give people back their hand function and independence while only requiring one
device. NeoMano is a wearable robotic glove [http://neomano.neofect.com/] that
assists with the grasp and release of objects. The glove is a partial-glove
design that enables the thumb, pointer and middle finger to perform grasp and
release motions.

 * Shop now - Neofect Shop
   [https://shop.neofect.com?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-regain-hand-function&utm_term=20211014&utm_content=Neofect-shop]

Actuated by the motor and pulley, the wireless remote control enables the grip
and release of the index & middle finger. When activated, the Grip button flexes
the fingers to provide a gripping gesture. The Release button loosens the wires,
allowing the hand to return to its original neutral position. The wire is highly
elastic, which helps maintain wire integrity despite repetitive winding and
loosening.

NeoMano
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neomano?variant=32502766927953?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-regain-hand-function&utm_term=20211014&utm_content=Neomano] 
can assist people with everyday tasks such as feeding, writing, exercising, and
daily grooming tasks. People have even rediscovered old hobbies with the use of
NeoMano, like golfing and photography! 



To find out more about the Neofect Hand Orthosis please visit Neofect Shop
[https://shop.neofect.com?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-regain-hand-function&utm_term=20211014&utm_content=Neofect-shop] 
or email us at contactus@neofect.com.

NeoMano

Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between life and death, or the difference between saving and losing vital brain cells that help you function.

Early warning signs of stroke that you need to know

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death [https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm] 
in the US, and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States.
However, most of the population do not know the warning signs of a stroke.

Both men and women can suffer from a stroke, but warning signs may differ by
gender. Strokes
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/can-stress-cause-a-stroke-the-answer-may-shock-you] 
have historically been shown to be more fatal for women although more men tend
to experience them at a younger age.



Why do I need to know the early warning signs of stroke?
Have you ever wondered what it may look or feel like when a person is having a
stroke? A stroke can happen to anyone at any time; it will not stop to think
about whether you are in the middle of working, grocery shopping, or driving.
Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between life and death, or the
difference between saving and losing vital brain cells that help you function.
That is why it is so important to recognize the signs and act quickly.

It is very important to receive medical attention as soon as you exhibit any of
these warning signs as each second is crucial for survival. A stroke is a severe
medical emergency and if a person does not receive medical attention right away
they are at greater risk for permanent brain damage or death.

If a stroke is treated quickly, doctors are able to administer Tissue
Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
[https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199512143332401], a medication that
helps dissolve blood clots. tPA can help decrease the amount of damage done
after sustaining a stroke, but can only be administered within 3 hours of
showing warning signs. Therefore it is very important to get help as quickly as
you can in order to allow for the most successful recovery!

The more familiar you are with the warning signs, the sooner you can get help
and the sooner you get help, the higher the chances are of survival.


Early warning signs of stroke
One of the easiest ways to remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke is to
think: BE FAST.

PRINT OUT THE PICTURE BELOW AND KEEP IT IN A VISIBLE SPACE

B - Balance
E - Eyes

F - Face
A - Arm
S - Speech
T - Time


Now let’s break these down one by one to help each one stand out in your mind.

 1. Balance Loss
    This refers to new unsteadiness or difficulty staying upright and in control
    of your body’s position. Some people may experience dizziness that makes
    them feel “weird” like they can’t quite stand up or sit up correctly. Some
    feel as though they can’t quite get solid footing, or that their bodies
    aren’t reacting quickly enough with a change in position or movement.
    Sometimes muscles just can’t quite coordinate or work right while standing,
    sitting, or walking.
    
    This symptom may feel like someone is sweeping the rug out from beneath you,
    or that you are stepping off of a boat and can’t find equilibrium quickly
    enough. Often, people feel the need to grasp at other objects, lean against
    something, or sit down to help with the feeling of falling. It is easy to
    pass these strange feelings off with thoughts like, “I’m just tired from
    things happening in my life, so this must be my body’s response,” or “maybe
    I didn’t drink enough water or eat enough breakfast.” DON’T ignore your body
    when it doesn’t feel right! A change in balance could mean a stroke - call
    9-1-1.
    
    
 2. Eyesight Changes
    If you suddenly have changes in your vision, this may be a sign to take
    action by getting yourself checked out right away. This symptom is not
    referring to the gradual changes that take place as we age, rather sudden
    changes that have no obvious explanation. A change in vision or a change in
    one or both eyes can mean different things for each person. You may
    experience sudden blurriness, double vision, difficulty reading, or
    confusion with written words. This symptom may be more of a
    dizziness-related feeling, with the world spinning around you. When in
    doubt, check it out!
    
    
 3. Face Drooping
    Sometimes when a person is experiencing the start of a stroke, his or her
    face may become asymmetrical or uneven. Often, one side of the face will
    become numb, tingly, or “droopy.” A quick and effective way to check for
    this is to try to smile a big smile while looking in the mirror (or if you
    suspect someone else is experiencing a stroke, ask that person to smile
    while you observe). If the smile is noticeably uneven from one side to the
    other, get help. Another quick check is to try to shut both eyes as tightly
    as you can and have someone check to see if one eye is not closing as firmly
    as the other. Remember, some faces are a bit asymmetrical to start with -
    this symptom refers to something that is brand new for that person.
    
    
 4. Arm Weakness
    Sudden weakness, numbness, tingling, or even paralysis of a body part is one
    sign that a stroke may be happening. This is often most noticeable on one
    side of the body (for example, the right arm and leg). A quick check for
    this is raising both arms at the same time; if one arm drops down or can’t
    be moved to the same height as the other, get checked out quickly. Remember
    that each person experiences a stroke differently: while one person may have
    weakness or a “strange” feeling in her left arm and leg, another may have
    more obvious paralysis, and only in his right arm. If something is different
    or doesn’t feel right, get it checked by a doctor right away.
    
    
 5. Speech Difficulty
    When a person suddenly has trouble talking or understanding a conversation,
    it can indicate the beginning of a stroke. This symptom can also vary from
    person to person and may look or sound like confusion, slurred speech, using
    incorrect words in a sentence, being hard to understand while having a
    conversation, or not being able to speak at all. A quick check for this is
    to ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If he or she can’t repeat 5-6
    words clearly, correctly, or in the right order, get help.
    
    
 6. Time to Call 911!
    The most important part about recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke
    is knowing that “time is the brain.” The faster a person receives medical
    help, the faster he or she can be evaluated and treated. Even if the signs
    or symptoms that were noticed seem to be going away, call 9-1-1 and get help
    right away. Once a stroke starts, a part of the brain is being starved of
    oxygen and brain cells are starting to die. The longer this lasts, the
    longer that part of the brain is being injured, and the greater the effects
    to the rest of the body as a result.





Recurrence of stroke and prevention
If you think you are having a stroke, or that someone near you is having a
stroke, first call 9-1-1 immediately. Tell the operator that you are thinking
stroke, and let the emergency personnel handle the rest. Do not attempt to drive
yourself to the hospital, because there’s no way to tell what other symptoms you
may experience on the way or how safe you will be. If you are helping someone
else who may be having a stroke, make sure the person is safe, (lying down on
the floor to prevent falling!) that you are nearby watching for new symptoms,
and that the paramedics can get to you easily. Strokes are scary, but knowing
when one may be happening and what to do about it is powerful and important for
saving a life.


Having a stroke puts you at further risk for future strokes. It's important to
be aware of the early warning signs and to take active steps to prevent future
strokes.


STROKE PREVENTION STRATEGIES

 1. STOP SMOKING
 2. TAKE YOUR MEDICATION AS DIRECTED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN
 3. STAY ACTIVE!
 4. EAT FOODS WITH LOW CHOLESTEROL, TRANS, AND SATURATED FATS
 5. DRINK ALCOHOL IN MODERATION

Check out more information about how to prevent stroke on preventing another
stroke. [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-can-i-prevent-having-another-stoke]



 * Further Reading: 5 symptoms of a left side stroke of the brain
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/5-symptoms-left-side-stroke-brain]


--

If you have had a stroke and are looking for an effective solution for your
rehabilitation needs, please look into Neofect's line of Smart Rehabilitation
Solutions [https://www.neofect.com/us].

To learn more, please call (888) 623-8984 or email contactus@neofect.com.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

References

 * Duke Health
   [https://us.blog.neofect.com/warning-signs-of-stroke-what-to-notice/dukehealth.org]
 * American Stroke Association
   [https://us.blog.neofect.com/warning-signs-of-stroke-what-to-notice/stroke.org]
 * Mayo Clinic
   [https://us.blog.neofect.com/warning-signs-of-stroke-what-to-notice/mayoclinic.org]
 * Benjamin, E. J. et al. (2019) Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2019
   Update: A Report From the American Heart Association
   [https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659]. Circulation
 * Focht, K. L., Gogue, A. M., White, B. M., & Ellis, C. (2014). Gender
   differences in stroke recognition among stroke survivors
   [https://alliedhealth.ceconnection.com/files/GenderDifferencesinStrokeRecognitionAmongStrokeSurvivors-1412955098269.pdf]
   . The Journal of Neuroscience Nursing : Journal of the American Association
   of Neuroscience Nurses, 46(1), 18-22; quiz 22, E1-2. doi:
   http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JNN.0000000000000026
 * Think FAST to recall the warning signs of a stroke. (2014, 04). Harvard
   Health Publications.Harvard Heart Letter, Retrieved from 
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/think-fast-to-recall-the-warning-signs-of-a-stroke
 * https://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/first-steps-to-recovery/preventing-another-stroke/
 * https://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/impact-of-stroke/women-and-stroke/
 * https://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/first-steps-to-recovery/preventing-another-stroke/
 * https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350119

early warning signs of stroke

Not only do many brain injury survivors struggle with physical changes, but they also suffer emotional changes. Here is the best mind health constellation to care your mental health.

The best mental health care after a brain injury - Neofect’s 5 Stars

 What changes happen to brain injury survivors?


How has your life changed after a brain injury? You probably had to make changes
and accommodate yourself to a multitude of once familiar daily tasks like
dressing, washing, cooking, cleaning, shopping groceries, other household
chores, hobbies, work, and/or community reintegration. 


Not only do many brain injury survivors struggle with physical changes, they
also suffer emotional changes. Brain injury survivors are familiar with the
information about physical changes and how to rehabilitate, but some of them are
not aware of their emotional changes. I’ll explain to you some of the major
changes after a brain injury and let you know the best mind health
constellation.


Here are some changes brain injury patients suffer:


 1.  Movement restrictions
    Hemiplegia (complete paralysis of one side of body) and hemiparesis
    (weakness of one side of body) are very common, which result in functional
    and physical deficits. 
    
    Also, part(s) of your body may become weaker and gradually stiffen due to
    the lack of use. This is more prevalent in your hands more than your legs.
    Upper extremity recovery usually takes longer than lower extremity. 
    
    Exercising the weak and/or stiff parts of your body can help improve your
    function and prevent contractures.
    
    
 2. Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
    Are you having difficulties swallowing food? The technical term for this is
    “dysphagia”. It can be improved with proper treatment and/or change in diet
    (make sure to consult with your MD and speech language pathologist (SLP))!
    
    Some of complications occur when you have trouble swallowing food or liquid.
    Sometimes the food passes through the airway, instead of esophagus, and
    blocks the airway, causing you to cough or choke.
    
    Dysphagia can also lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia,
    dehydration, or malnutrition.
    
    
 3. Cognitive impairment
    Brain injury survivors’ cognitive skills, such as alertness, awareness,
    perception, memory, attention span, etc, may be affected. 
    
    Though it is impossible to predict the outcomes, this can be improved over
    time, hard work, and therapy. 
    
    Try not to feel too anxious about it—Let’s beat this together!
    
    
 4. Communication problems (aphasia)
    Do you have trouble formulating speech or articulating words?
    
    Aphasia occurs when the brain injury affects the part of the brain that is
    responsible for comprehending and expressing the language.
    
    Depending on the severity, the loss of speech and language abilities may be
    temporary or long-term. Consult with your SLP, as speech therapy could help
    you with language communication skills!
    
    
 5. Emotional changes
    This is one of the very common symptoms among brain injury survivors.
    
    You may experience emotional changes for 2 reasons:
    1) You may experience emotional changes as you try to cope with the losses
    or aftereffects from the brain injury itself; and/or, 2)the brain injury may
    have damaged the part of your brain that regulates hormones and emotions.
    
    Either way, please don’t blame yourself for the mood swings and depression.
    It is not your fault, and we are here to help you cope with this!
    
    
 6. Other signs
    Visual impairment (trouble with visual processing, neglect or unawareness of
    one side of the visual field, spatial awareness, difficulty identifying
    objects, etc.) and numbness in the limbs may occur.
    

To recap, these changes arise from damage to particular areas of the brain.


Although damaged brain tissue can’t be regenerated, your brain’s ability to
reconnect and recover the functions—neuroplasticity—is possible!




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table of contents

1. What changes happen to brain injury survivors?
2. Why do you need mental care after a brain injury?
3. The best mental health care after a brain injury
4. Conclusion(wrap-up)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Why do you need mental care after a brain injury?
Many go through sudden and uncontrollable mood shifts: like bursting into tears
or laughing involuntarily.


Also, they are concerned if they’ll actually recover because daily progress
isn’t visible to the eye. Oftentimes, needless worries and doubts cloud your
judgment. Feelings of grief may take over or some actually give up on rehab
altogether.


Some worry that others will judge them.

Will they notice my illness? Will I cause discomfort? Will some avoid me for my
disabilities?

These repeated thought patterns will lower their self-esteem and minimize their
social interactions.



There will be temporary downturns. It may feel like you’re getting worse no
matter how hard you try.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The best mental health care after a brain injury
"Will this work?”

“I’m not getting better.”

“I want to give up.”


Many brain injury survivors express concerns and frustrations. In fact, the
emotional rollercoaster is a natural part of recovery.


But, you are not alone. We are here to encourage you and help you cope with the
negative thoughts and emotions as you go through brain injury rehabilitation.


Rehabit’s 5 Stars
★Star 1. Embrace the changes.
★Star 2. Slowly but surely, I’m getting better.
★Star 3. Connect with others.
★Star 4. Setbacks only make me stronger.
★Star 5. I can be happy even after a brain injury.



We want you to remember these five elements for emotional wellness as you cope
with brain injury recovery. There will be times where you may feel vulnerable
but let these stars guide you in your day-to-day life as you continue with
rehabilitation.




 ★Star 1. Embrace the changes



Let's begin with Star 1—“Embrace the changes.”


Here’s a comment from “Neofect Support Group”, our Facebook community:



“I had my brain injury a year ago. Lately, I’ve experienced some emotional
changes. I bursted out crying while watching a Disney movie last night. I’m
suddenly feeling sensitive these days. I’ve never been this way before. But
recently, I discovered it’s a common post-injury symptom. Have any of you gone
through it?”


Did you ever feel this way? Unable to hold your tears during a movie, or
laughing unconsciously at something trivial?



The technical term for this condition is called PBA(Pseudobulbar Affect). 


It’s an uncontrollable display of emotions regardless of one’s actual feelings.
Physical damage to the frontal lobe that controls emotional expression causes
these strange outbursts. 


Many suffer from this emotional rollercoaster. These unrestrained and
unintentional expressions of emotions may end up dragging you down to
self-sabotage and depression.

Stop right there.


Remind yourself that this is the normal part of the rehab. It’s a natural
physiological response to the damaged brain following a brain injury.


You are surrounded by your family and friends who care about you. There are also
other brain injury survivors who can relate to you. We, Rehabit, are also here
for you. We will help you develop healthy coping skills.





 ★Star 2. Slowly but surely, I’m getting better
“Am I getting better?”


Many brain injury survivors question their recovery. They look at their stiff
hands and worry if they’ll ever improve. They doubt, then lose motivation, which
may affect their recovery negatively.


Don’t allow these negative thoughts to misguide you. Always remind yourself that
you are better than yesterday. Your body functions are recovering every day.
Your mental health is also improving every day. These are hard facts.


What brain injury survivors need is faith, first and foremost. And let
experienced therapists provide you with quality rehab solutions and trust the
process.


Remember you’re always moving forward even if it’s not visible to the naked eye.




According to therapists, progress may not be visible each and every day even if
we are always getting better everyday in rehab, we're not aware of it because
it’s not tangible.


However, all your efforts and struggles will eventually pay off!


You are getting better.


Walk with us in the Rehabit journey, and you will see your progress in the end!






 ★Star 3. Connect with others


Gilovich et al. (2000) conducted a study on “The spotlight effect in social
judgment”, and found that people tend to overestimate how their actions and
appearance are noted by others. 


In this study, participants had to wear T-shirts they didn’t like while
interacting with others. When the participants were asked roughly how many
people did they think had seen their T-shirts, their answers exceeded the actual
number of people that have noticed the T-shirts that the participants were
wearing.


This indicates that people’s primary focus is on themselves and are rather too
self-conscious to pay much attention to others. 


Many brain injury survivors are self-conscious, and worry about what others
would think about them. They assume that others are uncomfortable around them
because of their physical disabilities, postures and/or awkwardness caused by
injury.


This causes them to be withdrawn and isolated. They struggle, or even avoid
socializing with others in the communities. 


Instead of being worried about what others may think of you and convincing
yourself that you’d rather be alone, step out of your comfort zone and interact
with others! 


Having meaningful conversation and spending quality time with others can be very
helpful. It will also give you a sense of belonging and security when you regard
yourself as an important member of your social groups, such as family, circle of
friends, etc. 


Moreover, others need your support just like you need theirs. Socializing plays
a major role in rehab because it provides social support and motivation in your
journey to recovery.


Have you ever thought — “I’ll socialize more after I succeed in rehab.”


This may not be the healthiest approach. Your social life before rehab should be
maintained even after your injury. 


Start practicing your social skills today. Stick with the habit of talking to
your family and friends, and ask them how they are doing. You can also meet up
with them and spend quality time together. You can even take a step further and
chat with new people in the online or offline support groups. They’ll be glad to
connect with you.






 ★Star 4. Setbacks only make me stronger
Many brain injury survivors experience rehab slumps. Even if they get enough
training done, the body doesn’t feel right.


You feel like you hit a brick wall on the path to recovery. In fact, rehab may
even seem like running on a treadmill...What should you do?



Bear in mind that slumps won’t make you collapse. They’re stepping stones for
you to forge ahead.


They're only temporary yet necessary—a sign that you’re on the right track.



Coping with these setbacks and challenges may be difficult at first, but will
get easier with time. Eventually, you will get stronger and more resilient,
which is considered an important factor in your progress.


When a slump comes your way, welcome it as if it’s your day off, knowing it’ll
ultimately lead to healing. The right amount of rest is a part of rehab, too.
Make rehab a happy journey where you can unwind and relax along the way.


Remember—After every setback, there’s a comeback!





 ★Star 5. I can be happy even after a brain injury
Life is filled with the unforeseen circumstances and traumas. Brain injury
brings a lot of changes, losses, and challenges in your mind and body. It is
normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed during brain injury recovery.


Happiness is not defined by your illness and medical conditions. Happiness is
actually based on your perception. However, it is not easy to stay positive all
the time.



Regardless of the life circumstances, there are always things to be grateful for
everyday. For instance — clean water, food, social support, technology that
allows you to be on this app, enough strength and energy to complete your rehab
routines, etc...


Actively look for the happy moments and simple pleasures in your life.


Engage in activities that you love, recite positive affirmations, and work on
changing your lifestyle. Write down the small and big goals in your life, and
think about what you can do today to get a step closer to achieving them.


Though it seems unimaginable at the moment, it is possible to get through this,
and live a life full of contentment and purpose even after a brain injury.


You need time to heal physically and emotionally, and we hope that each day gets
easier for you.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Conclusion (Wrap-up)
Which star did you think was most memorable? 



Regardless of your frustrations, your efforts will eventually pay off. Your
valuable time and efforts in your current path will come to fruition—just like
nurturing a plant, watering it and giving it time to grow into a sturdy tree
with strong, deep roots.


Your progress has transpired from the beginning and it's happening at this
moment. Be with Rehabit, and it's still to come. And in due time, it will bear
fruit.


If you’re interested in Rehabit, please visit here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/rehabit]. ?

Install Rehabit now
[https://www.neofect.com/app-download?app=rehabit&pid=organic_MKT&c=Blog&af_adset=Post_best-mental-care] 
and reclaim your health and happiness!