A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can significantly impact cognitive abilities, particularly attention and concentration throughout the recovery process. The extent of these difficulties varies from patient to patient, but a person’s natural attention span plays a crucial role in overall concentration levels and recovery outcomes.1
Most TBIs result from a direct impact or sudden force to the brain, which disrupts blood flow and damages brain cells. The frontal lobe is the most commonly affected brain region following a TBI2, and is responsible for attention, concentration, and information processing. These functions might be impaired by the injury with direct consequences on the ability to maintain focus, process new information, and sustain mental effort for extended periods.

Optimizing Attention and Concentration after a TBI

1. Prioritize rest and take regular breaks

Fatigue can severely impact concentration. Frequent breaks throughout the day, adequate sleep, and practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help the brain recover and maintain better focus.

2. Establish a structured routine

Creating a consistent daily schedule helps reduce cognitive overload and distractions. Using tools like planners, reminders, or checklists can provide guidance, improve memory, and enhance focus for other tasks.

3.Minimize distractions

At home, a quiet and organized environment help to enhance focus. Noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting, and limiting multitasking to focus on one task at a time improves sustained attention.  

Intense social situations in busy places can easily become overwhelming. Quieter restaurants or smaller shops might be more adapted. One-on-one meetings or small group activities is also easier than large gatherings.

4. Practice focused activities

Gradually rebuilding attention span through focused activities can be beneficial. Cognitive exercises such as short reading texts, puzzles or memory games are useful ways to gradually rebuild attention span. Starting with short sessions and gradually increasing task duration helps to progressively improve concentration and attention. Repetitively practicing attention exercises helps stimulate the brain and reinforces demand for attention skills.