Identification and treatment of behavior challenges after acquired brain injury (ABI) have included behavioral modification programs, medications to control abnormal behaviors, token economies, and social reinforcement. Despite the widespread recognition of behavioral issues, today few resources exist for crisis hospitalization and treatment by mental health programs.

Concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury in adults. Concussion symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating. Mild traumatic brain injury is a “hidden” condition because too often it is not diagnosed by medical professionals. Many individuals are unaware that their brain has been injured and do not see a doctor or go to an emergency department. Most symptoms are temporary but some adults have long term effects with post concussion syndrome.

Treatment for traumatic brain injury can be costly for the child or adult who has been injured as well as the family. Hospital care, rehabilitation, therapies, medication, home care, equipment – all can be costly. These expenses are added to lost income of family members. The costs of care for traumatic brain injury, insurance limits, and limited community resources add to the stress of families.

Survivors of traumatic brain injury worry about the effects of aging on cognition, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. Aging is not a disease, but aging can compound the effects of brain trauma including memory, organization, and problem solving. Ten rules are given to help adults with TBI with the aging process.