Murfreesboro Tennessee’s Leading Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation & Therapy Center

The team at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, provides clinically excellent care for adolescents and adults age 15 and older who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

Learn About Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) develops when there is a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain caused by a sudden, forceful impact to the head or body. A TBI can also occur when an object penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue.

Traumatic brain injuries can range in severity from mild to severe. A mild traumatic brain injury typically results in changes in consciousness or a person’s overall mental state. Severe TBIs can result in extended periods of unconsciousness, memory loss, and permanent disability.

Examples of incidents that can cause a TBI include:

  • Falls: Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, specifically among kids and senior adults.
  • Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions that involve cars, motorcycles, or bicycles can lead to a traumatic brain injury.
  • Sports injuries: It is not uncommon for athletes to suffer from traumatic brain injuries as a result of accidents while playing sports. This is especially true in contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby.
  • Violent events: Suffering from a gunshot wound or being the victim of physical assault can lead to a traumatic brain injury.
  • Explosive blasts: Being present during an explosive blast, such as those that happen in a combat environment, may result in the onset of a TBI.

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on whether it is a mild or severe TBI.

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on whether it is a mild or severe TBI.

Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms can include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating

Severe traumatic brain injury symptoms may include:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Significant confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Prolonged unconsciousness

If someone experiences any of these symptoms following a head injury, it is extremely important that they seek medical help immediately.

Helping a Loved One

Helping someone who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury involves a combination of emotional support, practical assistance, patience, and education. Here are some ways you can provide effective support: 

  • Educate yourself on traumatic brain injuries, specifically the type of TBI your loved one is suffering from. 
  • Anticipate changes in personality, abilities, and behavior so that you can be empathetic and patient. 
  • Stay calm during moments of confusion and frustration.  
  • Avoid correcting or arguing over memory lapses.  
  • Help them find a treatment center that will be most beneficial in meeting their specific needs. 
  • Be an advocate for them throughout their time in treatment. 
  • Create a safe and stable living environment. This can include establishing predictable routines and minimizing the possibility of distractions. 
  • Understand and accept that recovery can be a slow process. 

It is also important that you take time to focus on yourself. Self-care is often overlooked when someone is taking care of a loved one, but it is essential that you attend to your own well-being. 

Why Consider Our Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab Center

Seeking prompt and appropriate treatment for traumatic brain injuries is critical for improving outcomes and minimizing long-term complications. When left untreated, TBIs can lead to severe consequences, including permanent cognitive deficits, emotional instability, and physical impairments.  

Early intervention allows healthcare professionals to address swelling, bleeding, and other immediate medical concerns, preventing secondary injuries that can ultimately make the damage worse. Receiving treatment in a timely fashion also helps patients begin getting therapies that are tailored to their individual needs. Examples of the types of therapies that have proved to be effective in treating people who have TBIs include physical therapy for mobility, occupational therapy for daily functioning, and psychological support to address mental health challenges.  

Access to comprehensive care not only aids in recovery but also enhances a person’s overall quality of life by promoting independence and emotional well-being. 

Types of Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

When someone chooses to receive treatment at our traumatic brain injury treatment center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, our team gives them a thorough assessment so that we can gain an understanding of their medical and psychological history, the symptoms they’re experiencing, any treatment they may have previously received, and their goals for treatment.  

After they complete this assessment, our team creates an individualized treatment plan to meet their specific rehabilitation needs. Everyone’s treatment plan may differ, but there are a variety of services they have access to, including: 

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can be an extremely important part of treatment for someone who is suffering from a TBI. At our traumatic brain injury treatment center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, patients have the opportunity to meet with physical therapists so that they can improve their mobility and physical functioning while also gaining strength to become more active in their daily lives. Patients who receive physical therapy services have access to prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchair consultations. 

Occupational therapy: Medical conditions like traumatic brain injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to participate in daily activities. We offer occupational therapy services at our TBI rehab center so that our patients can work with a specialist as they learn and practice skills that help them resume healthy physical functioning. Patients who are receiving occupational therapy have access to electronic stimulation, Kinesio Taping, and ultrasounds to ensure that they are getting the most well-rounded care available. 

Speech therapy: It is possible for a TBI to impact someone’s ability to properly communicate. For this reason, speech therapy may be included in a patient’s treatment plan. The highly experienced speech therapists at our traumatic brain injury treatment center carefully evaluate each person’s communication skills and put together a tailored plan to help them regain their ability to communicate effectively. Our speech therapists are also able to administer fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations and vital stimulation, depending on the person’s needs. 

Respiratory therapy: There are instances when a person’s brainstem is injured in a TBI. The brainstem controls involuntary functions like breathing, so when it is injured, a person can begin struggling with their ability to breathe properly. At our TBI treatment center, we offer respiratory therapy to help individuals who are suffering specifically from breathing concerns. The team at our hospital is able to provide oxygen (O2) weaning, trach management and decannulation, and CPAP and BiPAP management services. 

Medication management: Patients at our Murfreesboro traumatic brain injury treatment center can meet with a rehabilitation doctor three to five days a week. We also have specialty physicians on staff who are able to meet with them to address nephrology, cardiology, podiatry, urology, and psychiatry needs. Additionally, our compassionate nursing staff is available to help patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can teach patients the structure of their medication regimens and show them how to manage their medication independently. Our nurses can also provide patients with education on diabetic care, bowel/bladder training, and DVT prophylaxis when needed. 

Individual therapy: Individual therapy sessions are an important aspect of our patients’ treatment plans. These sessions involve one-on-one meetings between a patient and a physical therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist. Patients have the opportunity to participate in individual therapy for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week. During this time, our staff can continuously assess the person’s treatment progress, making sure that they are able to remain safe and are learning the skills they need to function independently when they are not at our hospital. Patients who have TBIs can also meet with an assigned social worker. This team member can help with creating a transition plan and identifying a support network for the patient.  

Family education and training: Family members play a large role in the healing process of someone who has a TBI, so we provide family support services so that our patients’ family members can get the information, support, and resources they need. Our team schedules these meetings and training sessions on an as-needed or as-requested basis. Additionally, we have social workers available to meet with families for structured sessions. 

The team at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives a comprehensive discharge plan that meets their ongoing needs once they leave our care. We help find the resources patients need so that they feel confident in their abilities to manage their symptoms and take care of themselves without assistance from others. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from a traumatic brain injury, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our team is available to answer any questions you have about our TBI treatment center, the services we provide, and the admissions process. Let us be your partner in healing. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Convenient Location
Expert, Caring Staff
State-of-the-Art Facility
We Accept Most Major Insurances