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 ...
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:
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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.
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