Every family has an emotional reaction when a spouse, sibling, child, or other relative has a traumatic brain injury. Each family has learned ways of coping from previous experiences with stresses, losses and changes in their lives. Some methods of coping have been productive for families in the past and helped ease not only their levels of stress and anxiety, but helped them problem solve and prepare for the future. Other ways of coping may not have been as productive for families. Some may have learned from this and changed how they cope with stress or change, while others may be stuck repeating negative patterns.

With nearly half of all marriages in the U.S. ending in divorce, it’s been widely reported for many years that the rate of divorce is even higher among couples when a spouse has a brain injury. Divorce rates ranging from 48% to 78% are commonly given.

Why do many persons with brain injury have trouble developing and maintaining relationships? It may be due to changes in their ability to read and express emotions. This is essential for communicating and connecting with other people and for sustaining close relationships. Research into the expression and interpretation of emotions by survivors is examining new areas for brain injury treatment and recovery.

Case managers and attorneys working together can help persons with brain injury The relationship between case managers and attorneys show the benefits of using case management in a personal injury claim, such as a traumatic or acquired brain injury or some other catastrophic condition. It explains the role of case managers in hospitals, insurance companies, rehabilitation programs, and legal practice. Case managers act as liaisons, advocates, and negotiators to assist in life care planning.

A life care plan after a traumatic brain injury identifies needs, resources, services and supports necessary for an individual’s physical health and emotional well being. Case managers specialize in implementing life care plans by working with medical and rehabilitation staff, attorneys, service providers, insurance companies, community agencies, and federal and state programs to identify, negotiate and coordinate services. Case managers are a critical link for the child or adult who has been injured as well as the family.

Symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being seen in veterans. Depression, alcohol abuse, anger, and difficulty concentrating have been reported by returning troops from Iraq. Seeking mental health treatment carries a negative stigma that results in many veterans and service members denying symptoms, avoiding comrades, and delaying treatment. Stereotypes about mental illness and barriers to mental health counseling make it even more difficult for service members and veterans to seek support and obtain treatment in the military culture.

Many veterans have undiagnosed brain injuries or concussions from blasts and explosions. Some soldiers have had multiple concussions. This free article lists the common symptoms of brain injury and gives tips for healing and managing symptoms. Veterans and soldiers with these symptoms should be evaluated for concussion and blast injury to receive early treatment and to help recovery.

Service members and veterans with undiagnosed brain injuries can have difficulty adjusting to family life after returning home. Repeated exposure to blasts increases the likelihood of concussion. Screening soldiers and veterans for concussion or mild brain injury after exposure to blasts and after coming home helps identify symptoms. Early treatment can help veterans cope with symptoms and assist recovery. Equally important is educating family members about mild brain injury.

Students returning to school with traumatic brain injuries may have a variety of physical, cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional challenges. Recovery of function is typically enhanced through exposure to enriched environments like the education provided at schools. Just as schools promote learning, recovery after a brain injury is a re-learning process. This is why it is important to provide students with brain injuries access to appropriate supports and services by educators.

When a student has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), teachers, classmates, and school staff need information on how the brain injury has affected the child. Educators, students and parents often aren’t quite sure how to begin. The place to start is with information to help the educational team understand and meet the needs of this student in the classroom.