Getting Help For TBI: Family Resources For Traumatic Brain Injury

When someone experiences a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it typically occurs due to significant force to the head from a fall, car crash, or other event. Traumatic brain injuries can also occur if an object, such as a bullet, goes through the head and affects the brain and surrounding tissues. TBIs, also known as acquired brain injuries, can be mild, moderate, or severe, and the injury's severity usually dictates the side effects’ severity. Even if someone experiences a mild TBI, it can be vital for them to seek assistance and support. Resources like the Brain Injury Association of America, NIDILRR, and the Family Caregiver Alliance can be helpful. For additional support, consider reaching out to a therapist locally or through an online therapy platform.

Types of traumatic brain injuries

Brain injuries are typically categorized based on severity, from mild (also known as a concussion) to moderate to severe.

Mild TBIs

Mild traumatic brain injuries are often referred to as concussions. Mild TBI is typically characterized by unconsciousness lasting less than 15 minutes. This type of TBI can happen when someone hits their head, is in a car crash, or experiences another jolt or bump to the head. 

Common symptoms of mild TBI can include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in sleep. Someone with a mild TBI will likely recover within a week to a few months. 

Moderate TBIs

Like mild TBI, moderate TBI can result from car accidents or other head traumas. A brain injury is usually considered moderate when the individual loses consciousness for a period of time between 15 minutes and six hours. 

Moderate TBI may feature all of the symptoms of mild TBI, as well as additional symptoms. 

Additionally, someone with a moderate traumatic brain injury may experience amnesia for up to 24 hours after the initial injury. People with moderate TBI may experience acute symptoms, like confusion, for a few weeks after their injury. They can also have physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments for several months or for life.

Severe TBIs

Someone is normally considered to have a severe TBI if they experience a loss of consciousness for more than six hours. Some people with severe TBIs can be in a coma for days or weeks and face permanent disability. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), falls and firearms tend to be responsible for most severe traumatic brain injuries. 

People with severe TBIs typically need assistance from loved ones to complete daily tasks in the months and years following the injury, and many individuals with severe TBI utilize rehabilitation services to improve cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments. Recovery time can vary, but someone with a severe TBI may recover within three months to a year. 

Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries

Although the severity of traumatic brain injuries often varies, as well as the length of time it takes for one to recover from an injury, the symptoms of TBI tend to overlap. Some common symptoms can include the following:

• Amnesia, confusion, or challenges forming new memories
• Difficulties speaking or understanding conversations
• Trouble concentrating
• Dizziness, balance issues, or fainting
• Mood changes, such as increased irritability, depression, or aggression
• Fatigue
• Impulsivity
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Headache

Traumatic brain injury recovery process

The recovery time for TBI can vary based on the severity of the injury. Mild TBI tends to have a shorter recovery period than moderate TBI, while moderate TBI tends to have a shorter recovery period than severe TBI. 

People with mild TBI tend to fully recover within three months, if not sooner. People with moderate TBI tend to recover all brain functions within six months, but additional steps like neurosurgery, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other social services are sometimes needed.

People with severe TBI may have a long road to recovery. Some people with severe TBI may recover in just a few days or weeks, while those with the most severe TBI will likely go through the following steps over the course of months or years: coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, emergence from a minimally conscious state, and post-traumatic confusion state. Each of these states typically allows the individual to regain a bit more consciousness and the ability to interact. 

After the post-traumatic confusion state, some individuals slowly improve over time. 

Resources for people with traumatic brain injury and their families

Traumatic brain injuries may not just impact the injured individual – they can also significantly impact their family and loved ones. Caring for someone with a traumatic brain injury can take a lot of time and energy, and caretakers can easily find themselves stressed and overwhelmed with worry, fear, and exhaustion. Several resources, from national organizations to local support groups, may be available to help. 

Brain Injury Association of America

This organization generally focuses on increasing awareness, advancing treatment, and supporting those living with traumatic brain injuries. On their website, you can find informative webinars, information about local support groups, survivor stories from those with TBI, and plenty of educational resources. 

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

The NIDILRR can be a helpful resource for those with a disability from TBI or for caretakers of someone with TBI. The NIDILRR frequently offers educational materials, funding and grant opportunities, and insight into current research in TBI. Ultimately, it aims to help reintegrate individuals with TBI and other disabilities into society. 

Family Caregiver Alliance

This organization typically works to advocate for caregivers for those with cognitive impairments. On its website, the FCA can connect caregivers with support services, such as wellness programs, legal and financial consultant vouchers, human services and care planning, and respite services. This organization can also offer self-care tools for caregivers who may be experiencing burnout, anxiety, or depression. 

Other resources that may be helpful to the TBI patient’s family members include national support groups like Severe BI Caregivers, TryMunity, and the Smart Patients Brain Injury Discussion Forum. Each of these resources can provide opportunities for family members of TBI patients to connect with others who understand their unique situation and can provide solidarity and comfort. Each support group normally meets virtually, making them more easily accessible to all.

TBI: Veterans and Service Members

Traumatic brain injuries tend to be more common for veterans and active duty service members. According to the CDC, more than 450,000 United States service members were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury from 2000 to 2021. Veterans and service members may be more likely to experience ongoing symptoms related to TBI and an increased risk for psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Due to the higher prevalence of TBI among this population, it can be critical to be aware of the resources and support systems in place for active-duty service members and veterans. Programs like the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, the Army Reserve Family Program, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence can all be helpful resources for education, support, funding, mental health care, and rehabilitative services. 

Therapy for mental health support

Whether you have experienced a traumatic brain injury or are caring for a loved one with a TBI, you have likely experienced a range of difficult situations and emotions. People who experience TBI may go on to develop depression. Additionally, people with TBI may experience mood changes, problems with social functioning, and decreased overall mental health. Family caregivers often experience psychological distress as well. In both cases, TBI (or caring for someone with TBI) can lead to mental health concerns. 

Benefits of online therapy

Connecting with a licensed therapist can be one way to address mental health concerns and start to feel better. For those with limited mobility or busy schedules, online therapy may be a convenient option for improving mental health. Online therapy generally offers the same benefits as traditional, in-person therapy from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms that may prevent you from driving to an in-person practitioner or caring for someone who requires constant vigilance, online therapy may remove barriers to professional support.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Researchers have generally confirmed online therapy’s effectiveness in providing support to people overcoming TBIs, as well as their caregivers. A 2023 study seeking to investigate the efficacy of an online intervention in reducing caregiver distress for patients with TBI affirmed the tool’s effectiveness. Caregivers typically experienced reduced anxiety, while TBI patients simultaneously demonstrated improvement in motor control, functional independence, cognitive functioning, and behavioral responsiveness.