• 07
  • October
    2011

Most brain injury survivors say they want their old lives back. But for those that have suffered a brain injury, and their loved ones, getting back to their old lives can often be impossible. One man, whose son suffered traumatic brain injury in 1987, described the recovery as going "back to childhood" when he talked about some of the tasks he had to perform for his son, like changing his diaper and helping him in the shower.

In many instances, a brain injury is the result of a sudden accident. Whether it is a car crash or a work-related incident because of someone else's negligence, this type of injury can have a serious impact on those involved.

Symptoms of brain injury vary based on the severity of the condition, but can affect nearly every aspect of patients' lives. Sleep disturbance, memory loss, sensory loss, and confusion are all common following a traumatic brain injury.

But many brain injury survivors and their loved ones struggle most with the lack of information on how to cope with the condition, and what steps are necessary to begin rebuilding their lives. One man claimed that, as soon as he left rehab, he felt like he was completely on his own.

Brain injuries can change the lives of caregivers just as much as the people they care for. Assisting a loved one with a traumatic brain injury can quickly become a full time job, putting a hold on a marriage or career, or even going as far as to impact family dynamics.

Most survivors of brain injury recognize that recovery is a lifelong journey. You may need to learn to crawl again, then move on to using a wheelchair, and then retrain countless physical functions that most of us take for granted. While physical therapy is helpful, true recovery from a brain injury can take many years and cost thousands of dollars.

Source: Pittsburgh Live: "Serious brain injury changes lives, roles in an instant," Rachel Weaver, Sept. 30, 2011