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Traumatic Brain Injury Essay

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Traumatic Brain Injury: Living with TBI and the effects on individual and caregivers Traumatic Brain Injury is otherwise known as TBI. “Traumatic brain injury, a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue” (NINDS, 2010). There are two main types of TBI, closed head injuries such as head hitting a windshield and penetrating head injuries such as a gunshot wound. As reported by the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation,” The severity of traumatic brain injuries is often assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale, with scores ranging from 3 to 15. The higher the score, …show more content…

How families deal with TBI and their loved ones Not only is the survivor affected by TBI but it also causes a burden on the family and caregivers. Ms. Nirupama Shankar is a physical therapist who stated, “for families, living with someone they don’t recognize any more, being pushed suddenly into the role of a caregiver, and dealing with all the emotional ups and downs of the patient takes a physical and emotional toll (2008)”. Both caregiver and patient have to undergo an enormous amount of rehabilitation depending upon the severity of the TBI. Personally our family has had to make some life changing routines such as attend support groups, contacting state representatives, helping coordinate fund raisers, attending survivor’s camps, etc. to help support our son. Along with TBI, there is an increase in the possibility of having seizures. Between doctors visits, medication reminders and refills, and daily caring for the patient the family has to restructure their daily routines in order to accommodate the care.

What help is available?
There are several national and local support groups available to help families deal with their life changes. Nationally there is the Brain Injury Association of America who is a “ leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury” (2010).

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