Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in a variety of debilitating consequences, such as memory loss. Whether someone temporarily loses specific memories or lose the ability to form long-term memories, memory loss from head injuries vary widely in scope and severity.
The following types of memory loss can happen due to a traumatic brain injury:
- Short-term memory loss
- Long-term memory loss
- Inability to recall skill-related information
- Inability to form new memories, both short term, and long term
What Can You Do to Help Your Memory?
If you have trouble remembering things from day to day, using compensatory strategies is a great option to tackle memory issues and accomplish things. This approach uses memory devices which we all use to compensate for limited memory storage in the brain. For example, when you write down information or type it into a computer or phone, you may actually strengthen the memory trace in your brain, making the information always available.
The following are several compensatory strategies to help improve your memory:
- Avoid distractions before starting on something that you want to remember.
- Ask people to speak more slowly or repeat what they said to make sure you understand what they said.
- Give yourself an ample amount of time to practice, repeat, or rehearse information you must remember.
- In order to keep track of important information, use cellphone apps, notebooks, and organizers.
- To keep track of the medicines you must take, use a pill box.
- Use checklists to keep track of what you’ve done or different steps in an activity. For instance, create a checklist of bills that you are required to pay each month and the dates on which they are due.
You can ask friends or family members to help you remember these strategies. Over time, these strategies will transform into a habit, which enables you to use them on your own.
If you are currently going to college, you can contact the Disability Supports Services office at your school to receive assistance with note-taking and other services to aid learning. In every state, vocational rehabilitation services are available to supply job coaching or counseling to assist workers who need memory support.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in Texas caused by the negligence of another party, request a free consultation with our Dallas personal injury attorneys at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers today.