It can be frustrating waiting for yourself, or a loved one, to recover from a brain injury or other catastrophic injury. Medical professionals may have prescribed specific mental or physical therapy to help you relearn skills as your body recovers. A new study from the U.S. has highlighted a different approach to therapy. Instead of letting a patient rest, the study suggests that focusing on immediate rehabilitation may help a patient develop lost skills faster.

How Did the Study Come to This Conclusion?

As reported by Science Daily, an online source for scientific research, the study looked at the effects of mice and how they taught their bodies to complete certain tasks when certain mental faculties were blocked.

The study focused on how mice use the connection between their brains and whiskers to sense their surroundings, much like we use our fingers. The results showed that the mice were able to perform certain tasks much better when rehabilitation occurred earlier. When the mice were given time to rest, the results showed it was harder for them to relearn the same tasks.

What Does This Mean for Human Patients?

For injured individuals, this suggests that introducing specific rehabilitation earlier to patients may help foster a more effective recovery. The study compared the mental blocks of the mice to the effects of people who suffered a brain injury or stroke. The results of the study were only a preliminary finding, and further research is needed to establish a more solid relationship.

If you, or someone you know, suffered a brain injury or other catastrophic injury after an accident, consult a personal injury law firm. A legal professional will be able to help you identify your legal rights and what accident benefits you can pursue.

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