How to Cope With Patients With Brain Trauma

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In order to deal with TBI, it's necessary to understand what brain trauma is, the symptoms a patient will display, and how to help the patient cope with his impaired state.

Instructions

Coping with patients who have traumatic brain injuries

• 1

  First, a physician who is qualified in dealing with brain injuries will need to do an assessment. The doctor and medical team will provide treatment to assure the patient's brain injury does not worsen. Time is of the essence: the sooner the patient is treated following her injury, the better her prognosis will be. Approximately half of those with severe head injuries will need surgery.

• 2

  After the initial assessment and treatment, the patient's needs will be evaluated to determine what kinds of rehabilitation is required. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient might need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, psychology/psychiatry, and social support. Regular doctor visits will be needed to examine the patient for infections, which are common after TBI, and to regulate medications, including medicine that prevents seizures.

• 3

  The patient might need physical therapy to regain lost motor skills. He might also need speech therapy if language has been affected. For several reasons, most patients with TBI will experience challenges with social skills. Not only because their ability to communicate has been compromised, but their cognition and behavior skills are also impaired. They might experience difficulty remembering, reasoning, and thinking clearly; they might also have problems with acting out aggressively or with depression.

• 4

  People who have experienced TBI often face a long, difficult recovery. Their caregivers and family members are an integral part of that recovery, and they face many challenges. It's also necessary for caregivers to take good care of themselves so they don't allow their energies to be depleted. Family members often find a TBI support group is a good resource for helping them deal with the challenges they face.