Insights on the best timing and dose of rehabilitation for TBI from Dr. Mazlina Mazlan at ISPRM 2024

At the #ISPRM2024 congress in Sydney, Dr. Mazlina Mazlan, a professor at Universiti Malaya and head of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit at University Malaya Medical Center, delivered a keynote lecture on “What is the Best Timing and Dose of Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).” In an interview with Dr. Cassandra Cooke following her lecture, Dr. Mazlan highlighted the critical role of timely and properly dosed rehabilitation in improving outcomes for TBI patients.

The Importance of Early and Continuous Rehabilitation

Dr. Mazlan emphasized that rehabilitation must start as early as possible once a patient is medically stable. “The timing should start very early,” she explained, adding that rehabilitation should continue indefinitely as patients will have different goals throughout their recovery journey. Even in chronic stages, patients can continue to improve their functions, making long-term rehabilitation crucial.

Barriers to Timely Rehabilitation for TBI Patients

Dr. Mazlan acknowledged several barriers that hinder the delivery of timely rehabilitation for TBI patients. One major obstacle is awareness—both among healthcare providers and the public—regarding the importance of early rehabilitation. Additionally, funding and resource shortages, particularly in terms of specialists trained in TBI rehabilitation, limit access to necessary care.

Dr. Mazlan also pointed out that TBI patients often face complex challenges due to concomitant injuries, especially in countries where traffic accidents are prevalent. Socioeconomic factors, cultural backgrounds, and geographical limitations further complicate access to rehabilitation services, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care to all TBI patients.

The Hidden Disabilities of TBI

One of the key messages Dr. Mazlan wanted to convey is that many TBI-related disabilities are hidden, making them less visible to others. “A lot of the time, the disability is hidden and not really visible for everybody to see,” she said, stressing the importance of ensuring that all TBI patients receive proper rehabilitation to address both visible and invisible challenges.

Dr. Mazlan’s lecture and insights highlight the critical need for early and continuous rehabilitation for TBI patients, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that must be overcome to provide better care.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from #ISPRM2024 as we continue to explore the latest in rehabilitation medicine.