As we highlight Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) awareness month for March, there may be a few things that might surprise you about the injury that you didn’t know.
TBI occurs when there is a sudden trauma causing damage to the brain. This can be from the head suddenly or violently hitting an object, or when an object pierces the skull – entering the brain tissue.
TBI is known as the “signature wound” during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and between 2000 and 2012, more than 266,000 service members sustained a TBI (BrainLine Military). If you are caring for someone who is experiencing a TBI learn how to help and cope during this journey. According to the article, Caring for Those with Traumatic Brain Injury, it is important to:
- Identify inappropriate behaviors and outbursts.
- Educate children in the home about potential behavior changes.
- Avoid activities that could lead to another brain injury.
- Be patient.
- Join a support group for caregivers in similar caring situations.
For more facts and resources for TBI visit brainline.org. Also, contact your state affiliated Brain Injury Association of America and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center to learn more about caring for those with a TBI.
This MFLN-Military Caregiving concentration blog post was published March 11, 2016.
