After a traumatic brain injury, the cognitive symptoms may vary based on the severity and location of the injury. Cognition refers to what you think and what you know. You rely on your cognitive skills to concentrate, communicate and understand information.
While TBIs can lead to lifelong disabilities, there are ways you may be able to reduce your challenges.
How to improve your ability to process information
Give yourself time to process information. Ask people to repeat themselves if you do not initially understand what they say. If necessary, repeat what people say to you to ensure you hear correctly. Additionally, when you repeat information out loud, you increase your chance of processing and remembering the information.
When you read, use a highlighter to identify anything important in the text. You can also practice re-reading to help yourself process it.
How to improve your memory
If you struggle with memory after a TBI, try to stick to a routine. Having a structure in your life can help you remember what activities you need to complete daily. Additionally, try to keep everything in your home organized. When you put things back in the same place, you have a higher chance of remembering where you put them initially.
If you have to learn new information, give yourself time to learn. Learn in a quiet environment with limited distractions. Memory aids can also help you keep track of different types of information.
Choose someone you can trust to help you with problems you have difficulty solving.