Portland, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Cindy Murphy lived a normal life raising a family and selling real estate in Bridgton.
Four years ago as she got ready to show some properties everything change when slipped on some ice and hit her head. Soon after that she noticed things weren't the same.
"It was hard, I mean my mind was so, Oh it was just terrible. I still have moments today with short term memory where I have to learn to focus, learn to take my time," she said.
In Maine up to 10-thousand people suffer brain injuries each year. Some of them, including Murphy, come to Goodwill's Neuro Rehab Services in Portland and Lewiston.
Most of the injuries are minor where patients recover with rest and retraining. Others require much more extensive treatment such as therapy to regain physical strength and mental ability.
"We actually have 3 groups of people. People who have a very short course of treatment, some people have a slightly longer course of treatment and people are are really left with lifelong needs", said Dr. Mark Kiefner, Goodwill's Clinical Director.
While Cindy Murphy's brain injury could not have been prevented, most brain injuries can. Dr. Kiefner says when taking part in sports or rigorous physical activity wear a helmet. If you do hit your head seek immediate treatment, because in most cases the severity of the injury is lessened with rapid treatment.
NEWS CENTER