Understanding the Effects of Concussion, Blast, and Brain Injuries: A Guide for Families, Veterans, and Caregivers

How to use this guide

This guide will help readers understand the many dimensions of traumatic brain injury. It provides tips and strategies for coping and moving forward as service members and their families resume and rebuild their lives. It gives an overview of the many dimensions of brain injury with more in-depth detail on specific topics. Many of he articles were originally published by Lash and Associates Publishing/Training Inc. as "Tip Cards" on specific aspects of brain injury and were written by experts in the field of traumatic brain injury. This tip card format was chosen because families and caregivers said they needed information they could quickly read and absorb that was written in clear language with practical suggestions or tips on what to look for, what to do and strategies to use. This format and style has been used again for this guide because it provides a quick summary with action steps without all the jargon. We have chosen all the tip cards that are relevant for service members, their families and caregivers. They have been revised and made into a collection of articles for this guide.

Not all the articles will apply to all individuals, their families or caregivers. Readers are encouraged to pick and choose the sections and articles that fit your situation. As the person progresses and recovers, topics of interest and needs for information will change. That is why we have put all the information together in this guide. It is a resource that you can go back to repeatedly over time as new questions, challenges and needs emerge. There is literally something for everyone in this guide.

Section 1 – Articles on Helping Families

Just as life changed for you when your family member went to war, it has changed again with the diagnosis of a brain injury. Families have many worries, fears, questions and uncertainties as they face the future after a loved one has been injured. Once the immediate danger of whether the person will survive has passed, the question becomes, "What will she be like? Will he be different now? How will our family manage?" Whether it is your son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife, cousin, aunt or uncle – the entire family is affected by a brain injury.

This section has articles to help families cope during the initial days, weeks or months of hospital care and rehabilitation. It discusses changes in the relationship between spouses or partners after the service member comes home as responsibilities change and daily life is reorganized. Suggestions for talking to children when a parent has a brain injury are given with considerations for the child’s age and understanding.

The power of emotions and methods for coping are discussed as families come to realize that life may never be the same again. Warning signs of stress and depression among caregivers as well as the individual with a brain injury are described. As roles and responsibilities shift and family members become caregivers, balancing the needs of everyone while holding the family together can feel like a juggling act with no breather. Suggestions are given to avoid caregiver stress and burnout and methods for becoming efficient coordinators for services and care.

Section 2 - Articles on Concussion and Trauma

The severity of a brain injury can range from mild to severe. Even a mild brain injury or a concussion can have consequences. For those with more severe brain injuries, the period of coma can be frightening and stressful. This section contains two articles on coma and concussion to help families recognize symptoms and monitor recovery.

Post traumatic headache and post traumatic stress disorder can slow and complicate a service member’s recovery and make it harder to function at home, back at work, and in the community. They may affect the service member’s ability to return to duty. They are described in detail with suggestions on how and when to seek help.

Section 3 - Articles on Medications

This section goes into detail about the use of medications after brain injury and how they work. It is a useful resource for families to use to discuss concerns and questions about medications with physicians who may be prescribing drugs and monitoring their effects.

Section 4 - Articles on Behavior and Cognition (thinking)

Changes in a service member’s behavior, thinking, learning, personality, communication, social skills, memory, and self awareness can be the most difficult changes for family members. The brain does not heal like a broken bone. It is commonly said that, "War changes a person." So does a brain injury. The combination of being in combat and having a brain injury is powerful. It can affect a service member in more ways than physical injuries. Many families report that their loved one seems like a new person – and this makes it hard to know what to expect and how to respond. This section explains why a person may act and think differently after a brain injury and gives many practical tips for families and caregivers on how to help.

Section 5 - Articles on Life in the Community

Recovery from a moderate or severe brain injury can be a long journey. As service members who have survived a brain injury try to pick up their lives at home and in the community, families often worry about how much help, support or assistance is needed. This section provides a checklist for families and caregivers to guide them as they consider what is needed for the person’s safety, independence and supervision.

The use of alcohol poses special risks for anyone who has had a brain injury. These risks are explained with suggestions for finding treatment programs and getting help for substance abuse.

There is even an article about concerns for aging after a person has a brain injury. While many of our military are now young, we all grow older each year. For other service members now in mid life, these concerns may be more pressing.

Section 6 - Articles on College and Working

Life after military service involves decisions about college, vocational training, and employment. An individual with a brain injury may need accommodations on the job or may need retraining or schooling to find a new job. This section gives information about vocational resources and programs in the states as well as federal laws that protect workers with a disability from discrimination.

Section 7 - Resources

Developing this section was difficult because the military and civilian sectors are very different.