The Impact of Brain Injuries on Families and How to Cope

family member helping to feed meal to family member with TBI

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect millions of Americans each year. In addition to their impact on the more than 270,000 individuals hospitalized for TBIs and 800,000 people who receive outpatient care for brain injuries, these injuries also affect spouses, children, parents, and other family members who might assume caretaking roles. The catastrophic nature of TBIs means these injuries often result in the need for permanent adjustments to the lifestyles and expectations of victims and their families.

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, Cain Law understands the effects the injury can have on your entire family. We’re here to provide the legal support you need to pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other losses arising from the accident. If you’re struggling to get the necessary medical care or unsure where to begin, we can help. We’ve advocated for Oklahoma clients for over three decades and are prepared to put our resources to work for you. We also have working relationships with some of the best brain injury medical providers in the world. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

A severe brain injury can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, physical abilities, and emotions. It can also negatively affect their family relationships. Understanding these effects can help victims and their families as they begin the process of moving forward after an injury accident.

Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment

A TBI can profoundly impact a person’s mental health, creating significant challenges for both the victim and their family. According to Science Direct, traumatic brain injury is associated with various psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems. For those with a moderate or severe TBI, this can include personality changes, impulsivity, severe irritability, affective instability, and apathy. Those who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to experience an onset or worsening of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder. It can be difficult for family members and others who are actively involved in the life of the injured person to experience this difference after getting past the initial shock of the accident.

Cognitive impairments are also common after a TBI and can interfere with the individual’s ability to function normally. TBIs cause progressive loss of brain tissue volume, which can continue for many years. TBI can accelerate the age of onset of cognitive impairment by two or more years. According to the Cleveland Clinic, TBIs can cause long-term complications including:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • PTSD

Particularly alarmingly, TBI results in a four- to six-time increase in the risk of a dementia diagnosis.

Early intervention, ongoing therapy, and social support can make a significant difference in managing these mental health issues, helping the individual and their loved ones adjust to the new reality.

Physical Limitations

Approximately 80,000 to 90,000 new TBI patients suffer a long-term disability due to the injury. Physical limitations after a head injury can drastically alter a person’s daily life. TBI victims may suffer from a decreased enjoyment of life because they are unable to perform daily tasks or maintain independent living. Depending on the injury severity, these limitations can range from minor difficulties to severe disabilities. Physical limitations those with a traumatic brain injury may face include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • Paralysis or partial paralysis
  • Chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Balance problems
  • Vision problems

Families must understand the potential physical challenges their loved one may face, as this knowledge can guide decisions about rehabilitation services, home modifications, and long-term care. Early and consistent physical therapy is often crucial in helping individuals regain some level of function and adapt to their new physical abilities.

Emotional Problems

The emotional impact of a TBI can be just as debilitating as the physical and mental health effects. Victims often struggle with a range of emotional issues that can strain their relationship with a family member who provides care for them as their role changes in the household. Researchers have documented significant and lasting unhealthy family functioning following a TBI, which is directly related to the victim’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, according to the National Institutes of Health. The psychological distress can also complicate the recovery process.

Some of the emotional problems an individual suffering from a traumatic brain injury may experience include:

  • Irritability
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Loss of motivation
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Increased sensitivity to stress
  • Poor decision making

These emotional challenges can be unpredictable, making it difficult for families to cope. Understanding and addressing these emotional problems through counseling, support groups, and open communication within the family can be essential for managing the emotional toll of a TBI.

Strategies to Cope

Coping with the aftermath of a TBI requires an approach that includes both medical and emotional support for the victim and their family system. Below are some strategies that can help families navigate the challenges posed by a TBI post-injury.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation is a critical and often ongoing component of recovery for TBI victims. Disability and rehabilitation research published by the National Institutes of Health, “the need for rehabilitation and follow-up services becomes paramount” once acute interventions have stabilized the TBI victim’s condition. While most patients could benefit from inpatient rehabilitation services, many patients are discharged to receive outpatient care.

Various rehabilitation programs are designed to address different aspects of the injury, helping individuals regain as much independence and functionality as possible. Rehabilitation services may include:

  • Physical therapy – Physical therapy focuses on helping a victim improve their strength, coordination, and mobility.
  • Occupational therapy – Occupational therapy helps individuals relearn daily tasks and adapt to new physical limitations.
  • Speech therapy – Speech therapy is often necessary for those who experience communication difficulties after a brain injury.
  • Cognitive therapy – Cognitive rehabilitation programs are tailored to address memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
  • Educational support – For younger brain injury victims, brain injuries can interfere with learning. Educational Support 504 Plans and IEP tutors can help students struggling with the academic effects of a brain injury.
  • Vision therapy – Neuro-optometric rehabilitation improves visual function and the flow and processing of information from the eyes and body to the brain after a TBI.
  • MeRT treatment – Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy uses a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) to measure electrical activity in the form of brain wave patterns to reprogram abnormal electrical signals in the brain to modify behavior and improve TBI symptoms, such as ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and migraines.
  • Pharmaceutical and intervention pain management – Various medications may help brain injury victims, such as medicines that help with headaches.
  • Growth hormone deficiency treatment – Pituitary injuries can cause growth hormone deficiency, which can cause symptoms commonly associated with TBIs, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and poor concentration. Growth hormone deficiency therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.

A comprehensive rehabilitation plan can significantly enhance the quality of family life for the patient and their loved ones. Rehabilitation programs for mild TBIs are continuing to evolve, and access to resources and treatment is rapidly changing. Working with brain trauma experts is integral to accessing the latest care, diagnostic, and treatment options.

Self-Care and Counseling for Caregivers

Caregivers play a vital role in the recovery process, but caregiver responsibilities can be overwhelming. It’s crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own needs to avoid burnout. Self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and taking time for hobbies or relaxation are essential. Counseling can also provide a safe space for caregivers to voice their feelings, cope with stress, practice relaxation techniques, and learn strategies for managing the emotional toll of caregiving. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a community of others facing similar challenges and can provide support and practical advice.

Helpful Resources for TBI Victims and Their Families

Managing the care of a TBI victim can be financially and logistically challenging. Fortunately, many resources are available to help families. Respite care services offer temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to rest or attend to other responsibilities.

Financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid waivers or non-profit organizations, may help cover the costs of in-home care, therapy, and medical equipment. National and local agencies on aging or disability services can also provide education and information on available support services and how to access them. Exploring these resources can significantly reduce the burden on caregivers and ensure the best possible care for the injured individual:

Contact Our Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

If a member of your family is affected by brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you and your loved one deserve the opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Over the years, Cain Law has recovered over $100 million in compensation for our Oklahoma clients. We’re ready to begin preparing your case right away. Contact us for your free consultation today, and pay nothing unless we win your case.