Coping With A Brain Injury, A Devastating Personal Injury

Brain injuries are among the most serious and devastating personal injuries a person can sustain.

The consequences are often severe and can affect the person for the rest of their life.

Sometimes, the simplest tasks can become an insurmountable challenge.

Affected persons might forget things, have difficulty understanding, or suffer personality changes such as mood swings, irritability, and depression.

Resources That Can Help

If you are suffering from a brain injury, there are some things you can do to help you cope with the challenges ahead:

• Join a support group: sometimes, it helps to talk to others going through something similar. You can learn coping strategies from others in your group and lean on them for support when you feel no one else understands.
• Focus on one task at a time: try to focus on one task at a time so you don't get distracted and frustrated.
• Stick to a routine: following a pattern makes remembering what should be done more manageable and can help avoid confusion.
• Write things down: if you are having trouble remembering things, keep a notepad handy and write things down, such as people's names, important dates, and phone numbers.
• Avoid any physically demanding activities that may result in further injury.
• Please don't overdo it: the number one thing you should be doing is getting plenty of rest so your brain can heal. Try going to bed earlier to get more rest, and if you are tired during the day, take a nap.
• Avoid staring at the computer for long periods.

If Your Loved One Is Suffering From a Brain Injury...

It can be stressful and emotionally challenging for you and your entire family. As you learn to cope with your loved one's injury, one of the most important things to remember is to try not to compare them with who they "used to be."

Remembering that a brain injury can cause personality changes and a lack of emotion, especially early on, is essential. If your loved one used to be easygoing and carefree, they may now be irritable and have extreme reactions. Or, your loved one may not show any emotion at all. For example, they may not laugh when things are funny or cry when things are sad.

Take the time to help your loved one get through these challenges. Try to remember that they have suffered trauma to the brain and that they have no control over the changes that are occurring. Help them make a schedule and write it down so they have something to follow. Encourage your loved one to repeat people's names or other things they may struggle to remember and have them write things down.

Taking care of a loved one who has suffered a brain injury can have devastating effects on a family member. You should also seek help and consider joining a support group.

Hiring an Experienced Legal Representative

At O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, we represent individuals and families who are affected by traumatic brain injuries. Over the years, we have worked with many families and have come to serve as advocates for traumatic brain injury patients.

We recognize the challenges you are dealing with and can help you obtain the compensation you need to get the right help and move forward with your life.

For assistance with your case in Sacramento, Elk Grove, or surrounding areas, contact O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm today.