My son recently suffered a TBI and I'd like to add to a couple of these tips. My son was in a phenomenal trauma center with staff that had 20+ years experience dealing with brain trauma. One thing we were told and followed....for the first week or so we were in a "no touch no talk" mode. His room was kept dim because ANY excess stimulation would add to his brain swelling. We followed this procedure until his brain could handle more. We were thanked repeatedly for following what they asked us to do.Quietly praying and texting worked wonders. I didn't like phone calls during this time because it meant I had to leave his room. Once his swelling had relaxed we then could talk and touch. Another suggestion about friends. My son was in a hospital 1 1/2 hours from our home.I was living in a home owned by the hospital for purposed such as this. I absolutely could not have gotten through this if my friends did not come up on a regular basis. I had friends almost daily because my husband and daughter came up on the weekends. Do not shut out friends. If they offer to come it means they want to be there to support you and can handle seeing the ICU. You cannot be in a vacuum during this time. Let them do for you what they want. They will help carry your family through this.

Aug 13th, 2011 8:37am

As the Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Brain Injury (www.mabii.org) I provide tote bags filled with personal toiletries, information, useful tools and hope to families in Florida going through a TBI with a loved one. Dixie's Book and these tips are a MUST READ for anyone going through this injury with a loved one. Those of us who have been there and want desperately to help others go through this excrutiating experience can only offer our experience and guidance. This is a must have for every ICU!!!! Tracy Porter

Jan 13th, 2010 12:38pm