Introduction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.4 million Americans sustain a brain injury each year. Brain injuries may result from falls, motor vehicle-traffic crashes, assaults, and other incidents in which the head is forcefully struck or an object penetrates the skull. For some, the life-threatening nature of the injuries requires immediate hospitalization for extended treatment and rehabilitation. Others seen in emergency departments after sustaining a blow to the head, with or without loss of consciousness, are discharged with little or no information about the life-changing impact the injury may have in the weeks or months to come. Although this booklet is designed to assist families and caregivers of persons with severe brain injury, those whose injuries are categorized as mild may also find some of the tips and information beneficial. Each brain injury is different to some extent, so none of this information will apply to all families: choose the information relevant to your loved one.

This booklet is provided by the Brain Injury Association of America to prepare you for the journey toward recovery. In the following pages you will find information about the nature and consequences of brain injury; resource information to help with decision making; and practical suggestions about ways to help your family member, take care of yourself, and enlist the support of others.

See More Here: 2018.0320-Challenges-Changes-Choices._BIAA-booklet.pdf