Brain Injury Awareness Month - What Can You Do?

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Many people with disabilities have their lives defined for them, which is why the Brain Injury Association of America is helping bring awareness and support to those who suffer this debilitating type of injury.

This month, they are running a unique campaign: The #MoreThanMyBrainInjury Campaign.

This special campaign gives individuals a chance to overcome the automatic definitions society places upon them and allows them to tell their own stories and change the narrative of their lives.

Find out more here and spread the word to others to join the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign!

Traumatic Brain Injuries ("TBI") - Learn to Recognize the Symptoms

The presence of a brain injury may not be immediately diagnosed after an accident.

Friends and family members might attribute the symptoms to the aftermath of surviving a catastrophic injury.

However, prolonged significant changes in sleep, diet, or behavior may indicate something more serious.

An examination by a healthcare professional can lead to effective treatment and improve the quality of life for your loved one.

Pay close attention to any and all symptoms, and don't hesitate too long if something's off.

Take the Time to Research the Results of a TBI

People recovering from TBI may have limited capacity to research their own condition. Hence, the information you gather from current and reliable sources can help you to understand what your loved one is going through.

It can also help you to talk openly with others. Since the consequences of a brain injury can range from cognitive impairments to spasms and seizures and more, document yourself about treatment options and be prepared for a lengthy rehabilitation program.

Way Better Sooner Rather Than Later - Encourage the Victim to Seek Help

Those who have suffered a TBI may not even realize they need help. You might suggest that the victim see a particular doctor, read some useful articles, or have a conversation with someone who has successfully managed a similar disorder.

If the injury is due to an accident, your loved one might be entitled to legal compensation. Do contact a brain injury attorney, especially since TBI medical treatments can be costly for a long period of time.

Create a Support Network

If you expect more from a victim than they can give, it can be disheartening. So keep your expectations realistic. In TBI cases, medical treatment can take some time until improvements happen.

Therapy or rehabilitation options from professionals are recommended and sometimes necessary, but you can also try keeping the victim connected to their close friends. Emotional support is the best tangible support in such cases.

Stick Together - Communication Is Vital Within the Family

Besides being patient and empathetic with a TBI victim, it is essential to consider the needs of other family members. When a family must focus on the one in crisis, other members can be neglected. Families in crisis need help to manage competing needs.

Please make sure you are all on the same page. Do not expect more from others, but do not take it all upon yourself. Take turns caring for the injured's needs and avoid making them feel like a burden at all costs.

Finding an Experienced Legal Representative

If your loved one suffered a TBI due to the negligence of another, it is wise to seek an experienced and trustworthy legal representative.

Doing so can relieve you of the stressful burden of navigating the complex legal arena of personal injury law while balancing the aftermath of the injury on everyone in your household.

We at OZLaw understand the stress that comes with caring for someone with a mental disorder due to a TBI, and our expertise is just a phone call away.

Contact our Elk Grove or Sacramento law offices for a free evaluation.