Coping and support

Patience is important for coping with brain injuries. Adults will have the majority of their recovery during the first six months. Then you might have smaller, more-gradual improvements for up to two years after the hematoma.

To aid your recovery:

• Get enough sleep at night, and rest in the daytime when you feel tired.
• Ease back into your normal activities when you feel stronger.
• Don't participate in contact and recreational sports until you get your doctor's OK.
• Check with your doctor before you begin driving, playing sports, riding a bicycle or operating heavy machinery. Your reaction times likely will have slowed as a result of your brain injury.
• Check with your doctor before taking medication.
• Don't drink alcohol until you've recovered fully. Alcohol may hinder recovery, and drinking too much can increase your risk of a second injury.
• Write down things you have trouble recalling.
• Talk with someone you trust before making important decisions.