Journey in the hospital of a brain injury survivor

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke and Ashwini explore what it’s like to wake up in hospital after a traumatic brain injury — from intensive care through to high dependency and early rehab.

Brooke opens up about waking from a coma, experiencing vivid and confusing hallucinations, and the emotional impact of leaving the safety of the hospital routine for the outside world.

Together they discuss:

• ICU, tracheotomies, and the importance of early physio
• What “post-traumatic amnesia” really feels like
• Why the hospital can be a “fake environment” for recovery
• Coping with overstimulation outside the ward (like a trip to the Trafford Centre)
• Tips for friends and family supporting someone in hospital

This episode gives an honest, first-hand look into the early days of recovery and the complex emotional and physical challenges people face after brain injury.

Chapter Markers

00:24 – A&E to ICU: Brooke’s Early Hospital Journey
05:58 – Physio, Psychology and Rebuilding the Body
08:37 – The “Fake Environment” of Hospital Life
11:38 – A Trip to the Trafford Centre: Reality Hits
15:47 – Dreams, Delusions, and Confusion
22:40 – Tips for Family and Friends

Resources:

• Episode Two - Journey in the hospital - Information Sheet

Helpful links:

• Journey after major trauma - https://www.gmccmt.org.uk/major-trauma/patient-journey/
• Visiting someone in the hospital - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/going-into-hospital/visiting-someone-in-hospital/
• Post-traumatic amnesia - https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/post-traumatic-amnesia/
• Article on confabulation (by Michelle Munt) - https://www.cfglaw.co.uk/blog/why-a-brain-injury-can-cause-confabulation
• Headway information library - https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/information-library/

For a transcript, follow the link below:

• Episode 2: Transcript

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Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.