What to Expect When a Family Member has Suffered a Brain Injury

When a member of your family has suffered a brain injury, everyone in the family is affected. As a result of the impairments the brain injured family member will experience, often there are role changes within the family and an increase in everyone’s responsibilities. These changes will often leave family members with less time for themselves. At times it seems that all of the family member’s efforts and focus are solely on the injured family member.

As a result, feelings of anger, frustration and resentment are often experienced. Additionally, family members may feel grief and mourning given the significant changes to the injured family member. In addition, anxiety and fear may be felt as a result of the many unknowns and uncertainty of the future. Family members may also experience loss, includinga lossof companionship, a loss of income, a loss of future plans, a loss of a sense of securityand a loss of control.

In these situations, it is helpful to talk about your feelings and communicate with others in your family. If you are in this situation, we recommend that you speak to your doctor, personal injury lawyer or other health care professional about the resources available to you and your family.

By Karen Vigmond