In cases of TBI, which factor is reoriented first?

In cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), the first factor that is typically reoriented is the identity of the person. This involves the individual recognizing who they are, which is a fundamental aspect of self-awareness and cognitive function. When assessing cognitive recovery in TBI patients, professionals often find that awareness of oneself comes before awareness of external factors such as time, place, and situation.

Reorienting to one’s identity allows for a basic understanding of one’s existence and personal history, which is crucial for further cognitive recovery. Once an individual recognizes themselves, they can start to comprehend their surroundings (place), the current time, and the context of the situation more effectively. Therefore, the recognition of personal identity is vital and serves as a foundation for further orientation processes.