Top Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Brain Injury

After a brain injury, it is really important to get the right help you need during your recovery. Talking to your doctor during this time becomes even more important. Often, a brain injury can get in the way of how we communicate because it impacts our abilities to concentrate, remember, take in new information, and even talk.

Here are some tips to help you talk to your doctor following a brain injury:

1. Bring a close friend or family member with you to the appointment
2. Before the appointment, write down a list of questions you have for your doctor
3. Write down your medical history and medications so it is easier to remember
4. Write down any of your symptoms and concerns
5. Take notes on what the doctor is saying
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask the doctor to repeat themselves
7. Ask for ways to reach your doctor in between visits
8. Nurses and pharmacists are also good sources of information about your care
9. Ask about support groups

Support groups are available in Camden, Burlington, and Ocean Counties: Bancroft NeuroRehab & BIANJ Monthly Support Groups and across the state with BIANJ Brain Injury Support Groups

References:
https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/talking-your-doctor

https://medlineplus.gov/talkingwithyourdoctor.html

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/be-heard-by-dr#1