Support For Caregivers

A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, is the result of a violent blow to the head. Traumatic brain injuries may also be caused by penetrating injuries such as gunshot wounds.

Brain injuries are actually more common than we think. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, about 2.8 million Americans sustain a brain injury each year. Of this number, about 280,000 result in hospitalization.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that there were 64,362 TBI-related deaths in 2020 alone.

Individuals who suffer from brain damage may require temporary or permanent caregiver support. Patients who suffer from a severe traumatic brain injury may require intensive long-term care for the duration of their life. Regardless if the patient requires short or long-term care, the role of a primary caregiver is an immense responsibility.

Brain Injury 101

To better understand the role and responsibilities of brain injury caregivers and family who support TBI victims, one must first understand the ins and outs of a brain injury.

As previously mentioned, a brain injury is the result of a violent blow to the head. Brain injuries may be categorized as non-traumatic or traumatic brain injuries.

Nontraumatic brain injuries may result from electric shock, drug overdoses, and a lack of oxygen. Traumatic brain injuries are most often the result of motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, assaults, or gunshot wounds.

The following types of head injuries will help in determining the kind of treatment strategies one may require:

• Concussion – Also referred to as a mild brain injury. Many of these mild injuries are sports-related concussions. Oftentimes, these injuries may go undiagnosed and untreated. This leaves concussion patients at greater risk for future concussions.
• Intracranial hematoma – A collection of blood within the skull, otherwise known as a blood clot, these are caused by a blood vessel that has burst in the brain. There are several kinds of hematomas, depending on the location in the brain. Intracranial hematomas may be mild or severe, they can also be major life-threatening injuries.
• Skull fracture – A break in the skull bone that may be caused by blunt trauma accidents. Skull fractures may be classified into four: linear, diastatic, depressed, and basilar skull fractures.

What To Expect in Treatment

TBI patients may encounter a myriad of complications and symptoms following the incident. These complications and symptoms may greatly affect the quality of life. Early diagnosis is key in determining possible treatment strategies.

Your team of health care providers will use various diagnostic tools in order to get a full picture of your injury and symptoms, including mental status. Some mild to severe brain injury symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Speech problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Memory loss
• Mood changes/swings
• Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Convulsions or seizures
• Profound confusion
• Coma

Treatment for a brain injury will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatments for a concussion or a mild brain injury usually require little to no treatment besides rest and OTC medication. However, patients must still be closely monitored for any worsening of symptoms.

A patient’s rehabilitation process may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Psychiatric care is also advised for patients as emotional difficulties can take a toll on the patient’s overall morale, which may greatly affect their progress.

Due to the nature of traumatic brain injuries, the risk for disability is high. Data has shown that traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in adults and children ages 1 to 44. Patients that suffer from more severe TBIs and are at a certain age may require a different degree of medical care.

As TBIs affect motor, physical, and other cognitive functions, patients may require a caregiver. The cost of medical care, the types of care needed, the rate of recovery, and other factors will determine whether professional brain injury caregivers or a family member would be an appropriate choice.

Why is a Caregiver Important in Recovery?

As previously mentioned, traumatic brain injuries may result in great cognitive, physical, mental status, and behavioral changes. Caregivers provide an important service by caring for those who suffer from a head injury. By helping TBI victims adjust to the new problems they face, caregivers help them immensely.

TBI caregivers often have to help their loved ones deal with sudden changes to their daily routine, which can be difficult. They may need to adjust their own schedules and find new ways to provide care. Caregivers must also be patient and understanding, as well as flexible and adaptable.

There are many differences in care between a professional caregiver and a family member who assumes the role of caregiver. The kind of support one receives from their own family member can greatly affect their mental status, therefore affecting the outcome of their recovery.

As a caregiver, helping TBI patients focus on their health and mental well-being, improving their diet and nutrition, and helping them through physical challenges is a way to support your loved one through this difficult time.

Tips and Resources Available for Brain Injury Caregivers

The Brain Injury Association of America also offers help to family caregivers better understand the basics of a brain injury to improve care for persons suffering from persisting symptoms and aid them in resuming or developing new daily activities.

The role of a caregiver is an enormous responsibility and commitment. This can cause caregiver stress, which is common. The emotional and physical difficulties that caregivers of individuals with TBIs experience can make them vulnerable to health risks as well.

This stress may manifest in feeling more tired often, weight gain or loss, frequent headaches, body pain, and sleeping too much or too little. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, about 60% of caregivers show signs of depression.

Brain Injury Caregiver Strategies

The Mayo Clinic suggests several ways to help manage caregiver stress. Some of these stress-relieving activities include setting realistic goals, accepting help, getting connected, and joining a support group.

The Family Caregiver Alliance shares an abundance of online resources for caregivers regarding caring for their own well-being as a caregiver. FCA also helps connect caregivers with one another, offering services by state, support groups, and webinars to help them cope with the caregiving process.

Some caregiver coping strategies, Brainline shares, are identifying and learning how to effectively cope with negative emotions, learning to relax, and taking time out when you need it.

Get the Support You Need

Caring for others with any degree of brain damage can be difficult. There are many factors that go into caring for another individual, regardless of their age and position in life. Brain injury caregivers need all the support they can get.

If you are a caregiver or a victim of a TBI, the California Brain Injury Help Center can help you get the assistance you need. We will put you in touch with the best medical providers and ensure you get the care you need.

If your brain damage or injury was the result of an accident caused by another party, we can help. 

Contact us for more information. We are available 24/7.