What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury happens when an external force, such as a fall, road accident, sporting injury or other blow to the head, affects how the brain works. Traumatic brain injury can range from mild concussion through to more severe injury. The effects can be temporary or long term, and may affect physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural function.

Common difficulties after a traumatic brain injury may include:

• weakness or reduced coordination

• walking and balance difficulties

• fatigue

• headaches or dizziness

• attention, memory or concentration changes

• speech or communication changes

• swallowing difficulties in some people

• changes in behaviour, emotions or confidence.
  
  

How traumatic brain injury may affect daily function

Traumatic brain injury affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• arm and hand function

• transfers and everyday movement

• communication and cognitive-communication

• swallowing and mealtime safety

• self-care and daily routines

• participation at home and in the community

The effects of brain injury can be wide ranging, varied in severity and may be temporary or long term. Moderate and severe traumatic brain injury can lead to long-term physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes that affect day-to-day life.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with traumatic brain injury where there are goals related to mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• strength and movement-based programs

• fatigue-aware rehabilitation

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when traumatic brain injury is affecting daily living, hand use, self-care, routines, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• upper limb and hand function support

• task adaptation and environmental modification

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be highly relevant where traumatic brain injury affects speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. Brain injury resources describe speech therapy as supporting areas such as speech, understanding language, cognitive skills and swallowing after brain injury.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people after traumatic brain injury who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity, especially during later rehabilitation phases. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how traumatic brain injury is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

supporting communication or swallowing needs

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life

Recovery after traumatic brain injury varies from person to person. Some people recover relatively quickly, while others need longer-term rehabilitation and support.

FAQ

What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be mild, moderate or severe.

Is traumatic brain injury the same as concussion?

Not exactly. Concussion is generally considered a form of mild traumatic brain injury, while traumatic brain injury as a broader term also includes moderate and severe injuries.

Can physiotherapy help after traumatic brain injury?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength and physical participation after traumatic brain injury. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help after traumatic brain injury?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, upper limb use, daily routines, home safety, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Can traumatic brain injury affect speech or swallowing?

Yes. Brain injury may affect speech, language, cognitive skills and swallowing, and speech pathology can be relevant where these concerns are present.

Can traumatic brain injury affect memory and thinking?

Yes. Traumatic brain injury can affect attention, concentration, memory, thinking speed and other cognitive skills.

Can people recover after traumatic brain injury?

Recovery varies. Many people with mild TBI improve within days or weeks, while people with moderate or severe TBI may need ongoing rehabilitation and may experience longer-term difficulties.

Can allied health treat the brain injury itself?

No. Traumatic brain injury requires medical diagnosis and management. Allied health does not treat the injury itself, but may support movement, communication, swallowing, daily function and rehabilitation after the injury.

When should someone with traumatic brain injury see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when traumatic brain injury is affecting mobility, balance, hand function, communication, swallowing, daily living or independence.

If you or your family member is recovering from traumatic brain injury and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Brain Injury Australia – The leading voice for people living with brain injuries, providing advocacy, information, and support.

https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au

Synapse: Reconnecting Lives – Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation offers resources and support for TBI survivors and their families.

https://synapse.org.au

Headway: Brain Injury Association – Provides support and information to people affected by brain injury, including TBI.

https://www.headway.org.au

Brain Foundation Australia – Offers information on brain-related conditions, including traumatic brain injury.

https://brainfoundation.org.au

EnableMe: Brain Injury Support – A website designed to support recovery from brain injury, including TBI.

https://enableme.org.au

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Provides support for Australians living with disabilities, including TBI.

https://www.ndis.gov.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Resources for physiotherapy in TBI rehabilitation.

https://australian.physio

Occupational Therapy Australia – Information on the role of occupational therapy in TBI recovery.

https://otaus.com.au

Stroke Foundation – While focused on stroke, this foundation provides helpful resources for brain injury recovery.

https://strokefoundation.org.au

Australian Aphasia Association – Supports individuals with aphasia, a common communication disorder after TBI.

https://aphasia.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.