How to help a loved one recover from the lingering effects of a head injury

Heading a ball in soccer. Having a stroke. Tripping on the sidewalk. Falling off the monkey bars. Being in a motor vehicle accident. Nearly drowning. These are just a few of many things that might lead to a brain injury.

And brain injuries happen to more than 2.8 million Americans every year, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. More than 3 out of 4 of these are concussions and at least 20%  of teenagers will get a concussion.

“Brain injuries can happen to anyone, and are often unexpected,” says Dr. Nick Bomalaski, a brain injury rehabilitation specialist at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, WA. “But there are things we can do to help people heal from them.”

Here’s what to know about brain injuries and how to help someone who has experienced one.

What is a brain injury

A brain injury is an alteration in normal brain functioning due to factors such as physical trauma, lack of oxygen, inflammation, infection, bleeding, or tumors. These forces damage brain cells and keep the brain from working its best. Injuries of the brain can range from mild to severe. A concussion is also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). 

To diagnose a brain injury, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and do tests to check cognition, balance, strength, reflexes, and vision. They might also use an imaging study to see if there is structural damage or bleeding. Review this scoring sheet used by trained professionals to evaluate the symptoms of sports related concussion.

Common issues following a brain injury

A brain injury, including concussions, can have lasting effects on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Most mild injuries can resolve within a few weeks with proper care, however some have persistent symptoms.  Many people don’t know what can be done to promote recovery.

If you know someone with a brain injury, you might notice the following changes:

• Headaches. This is the most common symptom and can persist for months following a head injury. 
• Cognition. This can include difficulty with memory, poor concentration, or mental fog.
• Communication. Someone might find it hard to express themselves clearly, or to understand what others are saying.
• Emotions. Irritability, anxiety, or depression are common.  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also occur.
• Sleep. After a brain injury, one might sleep more than usual or not as much. Or they could have trouble falling or staying asleep or getting restful sleep.
• Substance use. Your loved one might try to use alcohol or other substances to cope or relieve their other symptoms. 
• Developmental concerns. Young children with a brain injury might struggle physically or mentally, compared to others their age.

Helping someone with a brain injury

“Your support can make a significant difference in someone’s recovery from a brain injury,” says Dr. Bomalaski.

Here are a few ways to help:

• Make sure your loved one gets medical treatment right away after the injury.
• Set things up to give them the best chance of feeling better, faster. This may include:
  • A restful, quiet area for recovery.
  • Shorter work or school days. Read tips on accommodations at school.
  • Low or non-fluorescent lighting.
  • Limiting screentime.
  • Little or no physical activity or anything that causes symptoms to worsen.
  • No driving.
  • No alcohol.
• Encourage them to follow healthy eating and sleep habits.
• Get to know more about brain injuries — learn what to watch for and how to help.
• Gently remind them to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t.
• If you see signs of depression, then seek professional help.
• If your loved one is still struggling after a few weeks, ask for a referral to a provider who specializes in brain injury.

Additional resources

Check into support groups available online or in your area. BIAA offers virtual support groups. 

You might find additional resources and programs in your state:

• Alaska Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury Program
• Oregon Department of Human Services : Support for People with Brain Injuries : Aging and Disability Services : State of Oregon
• Traumatic Brain Injuries | Washington State Department of Health

“Many people have experienced brain injuries and find successful ways of having a good quality of life following their injury,” says Dr. Bomalaski. “Use that knowledge to help your loved one find hope for their situation.”