A brain injury can be one of the most catastrophic injuries you suffer in an accident. It puts your life at risk and affects your quality of life in the aftermath. It is an injury that may change the course of your life and that of your loved ones as well.
It is important to understand what happens when you suffer from a catastrophic brain injury, its impact, and how you and your loved ones can cope.
What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury can happen in many different ways. One typical example occurs when there is a blow to the head. You may also suffer from a brain injury with severe head shaking, which may cause torn nerve tissues. This could include a whiplash related injury, which happens when there is a swift back-and-forth motion of the head.
There are numerous causes for TBI, with car accidents as one of the most common.
How will a TBI impact my life?
The tricky part about a head trauma is that it may not always be apparent immediately after an accident. You will need to keep an eye out for symptoms, including problems with your balance and your vision, headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, confusion and dizziness, among others. Seeking medical intervention when you experience any of these is ideal, so you can get a proper assessment and treatment before your condition gets worse.
A TBI may have a major impact on the quality of your life. It may potentially alter or diminish your mental, physical and emotional faculties. It may also affect how you go about your day-to-day tasks.
How do you cope with a TBI?
There are steps you can take to cope with a catastrophic brain injury. Allowing yourself to feel the emotions that come with dealing with the injury may help. Having realistic goals during therapy can also help with your progress.
It is important that you have a solid support system during this difficult time and that you seek help from a doctor, a mental health professional, and your loved ones. Remembering that you are not in this alone may give you hope and optimism.
