International research has shown the impact of early multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a huge impact on the long-term functional outcomes.
Put simply, the quicker the intervention with bespoke rehabilitation, the better the recovery results for the patient, both physically and psychologically.
For financial advisers who offer health and insurance plans, advising clients of the impact of early intervention on rehabilitation outcomes from the outset helps to reinforce the importance of having such a policy in place, and what to consider should the worst happen.
From the perspective of insurers underwriting these policies, earlier intervention following TBI can mean reduced case length and cost, as the need for certain interventions is negated by accelerated recovery in the early stages.
When a person sustains a TBI, the pathways between neurons (brain cells) that are necessary for normal function are damaged.
Once destroyed, brain cells do not regenerate, but the brain will actively attempt to create new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones.
This is known as neuroplasticity and is best activated through repetition.
The more a task or action is completed, the stronger the neural pathways. Therefore, the earlier the person starts rehabilitation, the more effective the interventions are.
First months are crucial
The most prolific period for neuroplasticity is within the first six months following a brain injury, with specialists advising that the ideal period for rehabilitation is within two years.
Thereafter, functional gains become harder to achieve and more costly.
Those who do not have access to appropriate treatments within the first few months risk life-long symptoms that may otherwise have been improved or recovered from.
For example, intervention may be needed prior to acute surgery to maintain other functional ability. Early clinical assessment with a neuro-occupational therapist can identify immediate needs to create a bespoke rehabilitation programme that speeds recovery.
Early intervention has also proven to be beneficial for the support network of the patient to understand, manage and help motivate the patient to engage with rehabilitation.
Research has proven that those who have a strong support network around them experience better recovery results.
Early intervention also has an impact on financial outcomes. With the right short-term care and intervention, the patient is less likely to need prolonged support in certain areas of recovery or require different interventions to compensate for limited recovery further on in life.
Financial advisers also need to get clients to consider the level of long-term care and support that would be required in the event of a TBI, as well as the likelihood of being able to return to paid vocational work.