Bone density can substantially jolt brain-injured individuals in several important ways, making for a complicated exchange between brain injury and bone wellness. The most crucial and curious thing is assembling these mediations at the same time rather than anticipating to see if problems occur.
Bone loss can be fast, and reversal most likely is difficult. Once it happens, interventions in bone loss can help minimize bone density loss in brain-injured individuals.
Lack of movement from paralysis, balance problems, or weakness diminishes the physical bone loading that’s important for keeping bone strength. Also, many brain-damaged individuals suffer interruptions in hormones which are crucial for bone endurance.
Activities with weight-bearing should start as soon as medically safe, even if modified. The weight-bearing might include tilt tables or assisted standing for patients who can’t bear weight alone. Passive range-of-motion exercises and electrical stimulation of muscles for those with restrained mobility can assist with some bone strengthening.
Brain injuries usually affect swallowing of food and/or drinks, and digestion, pointing to insufficient nutrition. Not taking or meager amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and protein intensifies the bone density issue. Some people also develop gastrointestinal issues that lessen nutrient absorption, making it hard to manage excellent bone health even with sufficient diet absorption.
Deficient bone density creates an issue for rehabilitation. Weak bones add to fracture likelihood during physical therapy, and then activities that come later when you’re by yourself, which can set back recovery, lead to reduced activity, and bone health beyond recall.
The issue of fall prevention become significantly essential, including proper socks and shoes, sufficient lighting, and no obstacles in the way. You should call physical and occupational therapists to judge your recommended changes to lessen fracture risk while increasing safe maneuverability.
If you get screening for hormones leading to shortcomings in balance and coordination, it allows for prompt remedy. Hormone replacement therapy might be considered when deficiencies are known. The combination of lessened balance and weakened bones, for example, places brain-injured people at known risk for serious fractures from falls. Hip and the “good arm” fractures are notably concerning as they can lead to lengthy repairability.
Early intervention is necessary since bone density advances can begin within weeks of brain damage. Healthcare professionals usually monitor bone density through DEXA scans and recommend preventive strategies including calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications to slow bone loss, and weight-bearing exercises when possible.
To all the brain-damaged individuals who indeed lost bone mass, it’s surely beats the alternative!
J&S your inspiration and knowledge is so timely. I needed to hear this weave of info, I knew some of it but not the why…maybe I can find a way to build strength back, was just giving up. Thank you dears!!🌷☀️