When is rehabilitation typically initiated after TBI?

• A. Early in the hospital course when medically stable, continuing through inpatient rehab and outpatient
• B. Only after discharge
• C. Never during hospital stay
• D. After full recovery

Answer: (A)

Starting rehabilitation as soon as the patient with TBI is medically stable is standard practice. Initiating therapy during the hospital course takes advantage of the brain’s ability to adapt and relearn, allowing therapists to address motor skills, thinking and memory, speech and language, and daily living activities early on. This early engagement also helps prevent complications from prolonged bed rest, supports goal-directed recovery, and creates a smooth transition to ongoing care through inpatient rehabilitation and then outpatient services. Rehab is tailored to what the patient can safely handle at each stage, with progress monitored and adjusted as medical status evolves. Waiting until discharge or until full recovery misses an important window for recovery and continuity of care.