Behavior after Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults and Veterans

This tip card helps explain behavior changes in survivors after brain injury and describes problems commonly faced by their families and caregivers. Learning how to manage difficult behavior can ease the stress of family members once they understand the causes and consequences of these behaviors and learn what they can do to improve the situation.

Sorting out myths and facts about behavior after TBI helps survivors, families, and caregivers address challenging behaviors more effectively. Behavior problems after brain injury are reinforced by myths with inaccurate information about changes in behavior after head trauma. This tip card explains the connection between the brain and behavior. Information helps families and caregivers recognize the causes and reasons for challenging behaviors and how to respond positively rather than negatively.

A TBI can directly cause changes in behavior for the survivor. “Problem” behavior in adults after brain injury can be changed by using positive supports in a rehabilitation program, at home and in the community. This tip card for staff and caregivers explains why behavior has a function, why positive approaches are important, and how others can be part of the “problem” situation.

Programs for adults with problems in behavior after traumatic brain injury require special services and trained staff. This tip card provides information to help caregivers, staff and families identify effective treatment strategies and develop positive behavior supports when an adult has challenging or dangerous behaviors. Too often the survivor is identified as the “problem” and punitive measures are taken. This tip card describes positive approaches to understanding and changing behavior.

Changes in social skills in adults after acquired brain injury often lead to avoidance, embarrassment, ridicule, and discomfort. They can result in loss of friends, social isolation and difficulty in school or on the job. This tip card for family members and caregivers describes strategies for improving social skills in survivors.