Healthy lifestyle after traumatic brain injury: a brief narrative

ABSTRACT

Individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at an increased risk for developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension compared to the non-injured population. Furthermore, TBI-specific challenges such as physical limitations, pain, mood, and impaired cognition make it difficult to live a healthy lifestyle. Key health behaviors that contribute to overall health and well-being after TBI include physical activity and healthy eating, sleep, participation, eliminating substance abuse, and managing stress. The objectives of this narrative are to (1) describe the key components of a healthy lifestyle for individuals with a TBI, (2) identify the challenges that individuals with TBI face when attempting to establish these health behaviors, and (3) discuss approaches and supports to achieve these health behaviors after TBI, including the role of self-management.

KEYWORDS:

• Traumatic brain injury
• health lifestyle
• well-being; physical activity; nutrition, sleep; substance abuse; participation; managing stress

Declaration of interest

The contents of this manuscript were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPTB0013). NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this manuscript do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research: [Grant Number 90DPTB0013].