Countless people fly around the world daily, and yet catastrophic accidents affect few. However, during those times when the unthinkable happens and a plane goes down, hundreds of people may lose their lives in what seems like the blink of an eye. There are no words to convey the agony you might experience upon unexpectedly losing a loved one in an accident.
Although some people survive, their lives are often drastically changed. When someone sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they may seem like an entirely different person. Due to decreased brain functioning, while someone you love may be sitting right in front of you, you may still mourn their loss.
What are the indications of a TBI?
Shaking, an explosion or a severe blow to the head could cause a TBI. And while many accident injuries seem apparent, such as lacerations or fractures, a brain injury can be more difficult to detect.
Since brain injuries present differently depending on their severity, they may affect you immediately or your symptoms could increase over the course of time following an accident. Some of the concerns which may indicate you are suffering from a TBI include:
- Memory loss
- A lack of judgment
- Trouble concentrating
- Vision problems
- Changes in personality
- Struggles with verbalizing thoughts
Such changes could be challenging for anyone who sustained a head injury. However, it is important to recognize that a TBI affects loved ones as well.
TBIs affect the entire family unit
Not only is the initial news of a catastrophic accident traumatic, but it can also raise questions about finances, necessary medical care and what the future may hold. And since brain injuries can alter someone’s physical, emotional and intellectual capabilities, it is normal for a family to take on caregiving responsibilities.
You might need to make accommodations to your home before your loved one leaves the hospital. And rather than watching them earn a living, you may need to support them in their rehabilitation efforts. Depending on the severity of the injury, your loved one may need to dedicate their efforts to recovery while you and your family members learn to accept the changes at hand.
