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1. Tips on Being a Good Caregiver for a TBI Victim
A traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as a brain injury or head injury, happens when a strong blow
to the head causes serious damage to the brain. A TBI can range in harshness anywhere from mild to
severe. A mild TBI occurs after a person’s momentary loss of consciousness or change in mental status.
The most common type of brain injury is a concussion, which is classified as a mild TBI. A severe TBI can
result in loss of consciousness for hours, days, or even sometimes weeks, and permanent disability.
There are many kinds of TBI’s including but not limited to:
Concussions: Most common type of TBI, range from mild to severe.
Contusions: Bleeding caused by an object coming into contact with the head.
Penetration Injury: Caused by an object (bullet) entering the skull and damaging the brain.
Diffuse axonal injury: Damage caused from tearing of the brain tissue. Commonly the result
of auto accidents.
Every year in the United States approximately 1.5 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury. A TBI
will most likely change the lives of the entire family of the victim. Caring for a TBI victim is a long-term,
and sometimes lifetime, commitment. Usually it is a family member or loved one who ends up
inheriting the role of caregiver for the TBI victim. Since the role of caregiver is such an important and
serious one, it is extremely important to learn how to manage the pressure and strain of caring for a TBI
victim. If the caregiver of a TBI patient is not able to take care of themselves physically and emotionally,
there is no way they will be equipped to provide effective care to the TBI victim they are supposed to be
taking care of.
The task of being a caregiver for a TBI patient can be overwhelming and stressful to the point of seeming
impossible, especially early on after the injury. It is important to remember that there are many people
out there who are in the same position as you and that even though it may seem to be too difficult or an
impossible duty, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling duty. The following are some helpful tips for
anyone caregiving for a TBI victim:
Take advantage of all the accessible support resources out there.
Always keep in mind that your loved one suffering from the TBI usually cannot control their
emotions or behaviors.
Take short breaks from your duty often.
Get as much sleep as you can whenever possible.
Never be afraid to ask for help.
Exercise whenever you have some free time to help relieve stress, reduce depression, improve
sleep and increase your overall energy level.
Do not isolate yourself from family members and loved ones.
Talk about your feelings with friends and family members.
Educate yourself about TBI’s as much as possible.

2. Take some time each day to be alone and clear your head.
Remember that feelings of frustration and sadness are normal for someone in your situation.
Make to-do lists of tasks for each day. This will help decrease feelings of being overwhelmed
and stressed out.
If necessary, ask your doctor about medications to treat depression or anxiety that might be
right for you