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While no family is ever prepared for the life changes a brain injury brings, almost every family following a brain injury wants to know how they can help during the recovery process. Immediately after a brain injury, it's common for families to place all their energies and focus onto the person with the injury. As the person begins to move through the rehabilitation process, family members begin to ask questions that extend beyond the person's physical well-being. They want to know about what kinds of programs and services are available, and they may even seek out a brain injury support group to help gain additional insight about dealing with brain injury.
After some time has passed, families begin asking questions about the long term. They want to learn ways they can minimize the damage caused by the injury, and they want to find ways to improve the quality of life for everyone in the family.
No Stone Unturned
From the moment the Goldsteins adopted Bart from Korea, they pulled out all the stops to give him a good life. Especially after he sustained a severe TBI.
How to Deal with a New, Angrier Version of a Beloved Husband and Father?
Family counseling is crucial to help everyone deal with the emotional effects of a brain injury.
The Importance of a Family-Focused Approach to Treating Brain Injury
Supporting the physical and emotional well-being of the person with TBI and the caregiver will ultimately help the whole family.
Learning by Accident
Sometimes our fear can be more debilitating than a TBI. One caregiver shares her story of ambiguous loss, family love, and emotional healing.
Crucial to Involve Family and Patient in Rehab Treatment Plan
Providers know a treatment plan works best when the patient and family are involved with the medical team; the group can set realistic and meaningful rehab goals for quality of life.
Helping the Family When a Loved One Is in the ER
Having a loved one in the ICU with a severe TBI is traumatic for the whole family. Medical staff can help families become part of their loved one's recovery process.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Counseling After Brain Injury But Were Afraid to Ask
Life after a brain injury can be overwhelming for both the survivor and family members. Learn how counseling can help.
Pieces Missing
The love of a family makes a world of difference after a brain injury.
Learning to Let Go, Again
A day with friends on the links ended Ryan's life as he — and his family — knew it, but their life includes many more happy chapters.
Libby Parker: Finding Her Rhythm
In the last chapter of Naomi Parker's book about her daughter’s brain injury, Libby was starting her senior year of high school. BrainLine wanted to find out where she is now.
Anne Forrest: Bringing Up Baby
By the time baby Daniel arrived, Anne Forrest “had been practicing having a baby for a long time.”
Invisible Heroes
Navy Safe Harbor wants everyone to know that Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and veterans with TBI and PTSD should be treated as the heroes that they are.
Cuidando a un familiar después de una lesión cerebral traumática militar: La perspectiva de una esposa
Este anuncio de servicio público nos introduce a Shannon Maxwell, la esposa de Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell, USMC (ret), que sufrió una lesión cerebral traumática durante su servicio combate en Irak. La señora Maxwell presenta un nuevo recurso de DVBIC: La guía para cuidadores familiares.
Caring for a Loved One After a Military TBI: A Wife’s Perspective
This public service announcement features Shannon Maxwell, the wife of Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell, USMC (ret), who sustained a TBI while fighting in Iraq. Mrs. Maxwell introduces us to a new resource from DVBIC: the Family Caregiver Guide.
Keep Moving Forward: Children with Brain Injuries
Learn from three children and their families who live day to day with the effects of brain injury.
Sarah Wade: A Military Wife and Caregiver's Story
"For Ted, the first year of his recovery was like being born all over again, except accelerated."
The Invisible Injuries of War: Impact on Military Families and Children
Many children may develop symptoms that mirror those of their injured military parent. Learn more.
Traumatic Brain Injury: What Military Families Need to Know
Healing takes patience and time. Support from family members and taking care of oneself can go a long way in assisting in recovery.
Our Daddy Is Invincible!
"Though daddy may be different, daddy is still daddy." Glimpse into this hope-filled children's book about a family and brain injury.
Letter to My Wife's Family
A long-time caregiver writes an honest plea for help and support to his wife's siblings.
Stand Down: Veterans Village of San Diego
Learn about this powerful community-based intervention program designed to help homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets.
Engaging Veterans and Families to Enhance Service Delivery
A thorough toolkit to help veterans and their families get the services they need.
Marriage and Divorce in the National Guard and Reserves: A Fact Sheet
Learn the facts and myths about marriage and divorce in these arms of the military.
A Win-Win Partnership: Marriage / Relationship Education and the National Guard
Learn how 'Citizen Soldiers' or 'Airmen' — and their families — have unique needs and opportunities within the military population.
Strengthening Resources and Supports for National Guard and Couples and Families
National Guardsmen face challenges unique from other branches of the military. Learn how they — and their families — can bridge the gaps.
Making a Difference #7: Home & Community Reintegration
Many factors can affect a person's reintegration after TBI -- from family support to community awareness.
Making a Difference #13: Sammy
Watch how the lives of Sammy and his parents have taken new shape since his injury. "Life changes, priorities change ..."
Coming Home: Families, Courage, and Resilience After Brain Injury
"We are just one family among thousands who have suffered injuries in this war ..."
TBI Ten Years Later: A Mother's Story Continues
Ten years is a long time, but the shock and sadness of a child's TBI never goes away.
Finding Home Health Services After Brain Injury
Home healthcare for a loved one after TBI usually ends up being a creative "hodge-podge" of services.
Real Warriors and Families
When a service member deploys, everyone around them is affected. Learn more from these brave warriors and their loved ones.
Aceptando a los cambios familiares que vienen con una lesión cerebral traumática
Dr. Judd explica cómo los papeles familiares pueden cambiar después de una lesión cerebral, y cómo el paciente y los familiares pueden acostumbrarse a los cambios.
Ayudando con el proceso de recuperación después de lesión cerebral traumática
Dr. Judd describe el proceso de recuperación y rehabilitación después de una lesión cerebral, y los papeles de los familiares en este proceso importante.
Flat Affect and Brain Injury
A brain injury can sometimes limit a person’s ability to express emotions — temporarily or permanently.
Should You Let Your Child Play Contact Sports?
A doctor/parent talks about trying to find a balance between the benefits and dangers of letting his children play contact sports.
New Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans
Support, education, and tools for military families all rolled into one indispensable guide.
Obstáculos posibles para las familias hispanas frente una lesión cerebral traumática
Aprende sobre los obstáculos al proceso de recuperación para las familias latinas aquí en los Estados Unidos.
Healing Your Marriage After Brain Injury
Marriage issues post-TBI? Read these experiences of others and take a quiz.
When the Unthinkable Happens: Support for Siblings After a Traumatic Brain Injury Strikes a Family
Taking care of seven children when one sustains a life-threatening TBI: one mother's story.
Tools and Resources for Educators Working with Kids with TBI
Learn about the tools out there — from traumatic brain injury 101-type information to specifics on how to develop a student's individualized education plan.
My Child's Brain Injury: Coping with Guilt
Stop the "what ifs" and "if onlys" and take action where you can to help your child.
Why Has My Sister’s Personality Changed Since Her Traumatic Brain Injury?
Emotional regulation can be challenging after a brain injury.
My Child's Brain Injury: Why Do I Feel So Sad?
"I'm so thankful she survived, but I miss the little girl who used to run and sing and dance."
How Can Physicians Best Help Families with Children with Brain Injury?
Especially with children with brain injury, health professionals need to think outside the "medical model."
Common Problems Children Have After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion or brain injury so you can get the best help for your child.
My Child's Brain Injury: Family Matters
Learn about common strategies that some families use to help them feel supported and strong after one of them sustains a TBI.
Understanding TBI, Part 4: The Impact of a Recent TBI on Family Members and What They Can Do to Help with Recovery
A brain injury affects the whole family. Use these strategies.
The Role of Family-Centered Care
Learn why educating the whole family about TBI is important.
Family Counseling Services After Brain Injury
Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Tayrn Strejskal talk about their work as teachers and doctors.
Brain Injury and Substance Abuse: One Woman's Story
Jan Brown talks about her experience with substance abuse following traumatic brain injury.
Adolescents and TBI
Adolescence is a tough enough time. What happens when a brain injury is added to the mix?
Changes in Family Roles After Traumatic Brain Injury
A brain injury can change everything -- for everyone in the family.
Far from Home, Injured Vet Is Never Alone
Watch this powerful story about two brave and loving wives who care for their husbands after they both sustained severe brain injuries in combat.
Beyond the Invisible: Living with Brain Injury
Meet several brave service members and their family members who are struggling with the effects of traumatic brain injury sustained in combat.
Victimization of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury or Other Disabilities: A Fact Sheet for Friends and Family
Victimization is harm caused on purpose. It is not an “accident.”
Life with a Brain Injury: Preparing Yourself and Your Family
There is no preparation for a brain injury, but knowledge and action in its wake are key for the whole family.
Enjoying the Holidays After Brain Injury
Adjusting routines and expectations after a loved one's brain injury.
Siblings of Children with TBI. What About Them?
Watch for changes in children’s behavior after a sibling is hurt.
Caring for the Caregiver
Taking care of yourself helps take care of your loved one.
Jan Brown Talks about Family Support
Hear how children can be affected by their parents’ addiction.
Online Family Problem-Solving Tool
Learn how this online intervention helped adolescents with TBI and their families.
The Greatest Challenges Faced by Families After Brain Injury and How to Overcome Them
Learn why setting goals and taking small steps are crucial.
Taking Care of Yourself: 10 Tips for Survivors and Family Members
Take this true/false test to see how well you rate.
Problem Solving for Families After Brain Injury
Learn five crucial steps.
Living with and Having Mixed Feelings About a Survivor Who Is Very Different
This self-assessment can help you cope.
Learning to Be Patient with the Idea That Recovery Takes Time
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes after a TBI.
Fundamentals for Living Better After Brain Injury
Ways to feel more satisfied with your life.
Family Change After Brain Injury
Feel like your life has totally turned upside down? You are not alone.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself (Too!)
Take this test and see how you rate.
Coping with Loss and Change
Rate yourself and learn some helpful tips for life after brain injury.
How a Family Intervention Program Can Help After TBI
Knowledge is power — for the whole family.
BrainLine Talks with Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal About Working with Couples in Crisis
You can learn to work together after a traumatic brain injury.
BrainLine Talks with Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal About How TBI Can Affect Marriage
Hear what two family therapists have to say.
BrainLine Talks with Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal About the Uniqueness of Their Approach
Listening is crucial when sorking with people with TBI and their families.
BrainLine Talks with Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal About What Happens to a Family After Brain Injury
Brain injury affects the whole family. Learn more.
BrainLine Talks with Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal About What Kinds of Support they Provide
These doctors share their experience working with people wth TBI and their families.
Communicating with Patients and Families About TBI
Information about brain injury is the number one need.
Avoiding Guilt and Blame
For people with TBI and their family: Use this self-assessment to work through your emotions.
Caron Gan Talks About Finding Support in the Brain Injury Community
Advice from a family therapist on finding community support after TBI.
Caron Gan Talks About Educating Families About Behavioral Changes
TBI affects the whole family. Hear advice from a family therapist.
Caron Gan Talks About Providing Culturally Relevant Treatment
Why therapists need to take a person's cultural background and traditions into account.
Caron Gan Talks About Working With Families From Different Ethnic and Cultural Backgrounds
Why are being cognizant of these differences so important during therapy for TBI?
Dr. Tedd Judd Talks About Brain Injury and Working With Hispanic Families of Returning Wounded Warriors
Professionals working with returning veterans of Hispanic descent need to learn about their cultural mores.
Dr. Tedd Judd Talks About Understanding Behavior Changes with TBI
Emotional and behavioral changes in a person after a TBI can be significant.
Dr. Tedd Judd Talks About Guidelines for Using Brain Injury Rehabilitation Techniques at Home
The more professionals can teach caregivers, the more effective the rehab techniques will be at home.
Dr. Tedd Judd Talks About Brain Injury and Setting Family Centered Goals
What makes family-centered care so effective?
Dr. Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Talks About his Brother's TBI Story
When brain injury hits home.
Dr. Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Talks About the Importance of Family in Hispanic Culture
The role of family differs culture to culture.
Dr. Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Talks About Cultural Differences in Caregiving
Professionals working with people with TBI and their families should have knowledge about different cultural backgrounds and traditions.
Dr. Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Talks About Cultural Differences in Treatment of TBI
Do people from non-US cultures get treated differently after a TBI?
Sesame Street's "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change"
Preview of Sesame Street's episode "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." Featuring guest stars Queen Latifah, John Mayer, Elmo, and Rosita.
Sesame Street's "Coming Home: Military Families Cope With Change"
How traumatic brain injury affects wounded service members and their families.
Dr. Maria Mouratidis Talks About Differences in Expressing Emotion After Injury
BrainLine talks with Dr. Maria Mouratidis about differences in expressing emotion after injury.
Dr. Maria Mouratidis Talks About Compassion Fatigue in Caregivers
BrainLine talks with Dr. Maria Mouratidis about compassion fatigue in caregivers.
Dr. Maria Mouratidis Talks About Military Families and Brain Injury
BrainLine talks with Dr. Maria Mouratidis about her experiences working with military families.
Brain Interrupted: The Story of John's Traumatic Brain Injury
Mt. Sinai's Dr. Wayne Gordon introduces one mother's powerful story about the importance of accurate diagnosis.
BJ and Abby Jackson on Supporting Intimate Relationships
The story of one marriage after TBI.
Finding Respite Care
Respite care is always in short supply. Learn more.
The Truth About Divorce After Traumatic Brain Injury
What you can do to reduce the risks.
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
This video features guests who share their stories and experts who talk about diagnosis and the latest in treatment in PTSD.
Caregiving and TBI: What You Need to Know
BrainLine's webcast "Caregiving and TBI: What You Need to Know" offers ideas and strategies for people caring for a loved one with TBI.
The Water Giver
The story of a mother, a son, and their second chance after a brain injury.
Mindstorms: The Complete Guide for Families Living with Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn two of several brain injury myths from this book excerpt.
Perfectly Imperfect
Spirited stories and advice from Lee Woodruff — from all she has learned since her husband's TBI.
Online Safety for Children with LD
All children are at risk for being bullied or harassed, but for those with disabilities, bullying is more prevalent.
BrainLine Talks with Jason and Susannah Ferguson About Family and TBI
BrainLine talks with Jason and Susannah Ferguson about how Jason's brain injury has affected their marriage, family, and outlook on life.
Michael Paul Mason Talks About Unlikely Heroes
TBI Case Manager Michael Paul Mason talks about the unexpected heroes he encounters in his work.
Lee Woodruff Speaks on Supporting Intimate Relationships
Lee Woodruff talks about her experience with her husband, ABC News Anchor Bob Woodruff, who sustained a brain injury while reporting in Iraq.
How to Succeed in Biz-Ness by Really Trying (Logan's Story)
This is the story of a girl named Logan who persevered through her brain injury to create a magazine for other kids with disabilities and inspire them to achieve their dreams and goals.
BrainLine Talks with Sarah and Ted Wade About Their Personal Story
Retired Army Sergeant Edward "Ted" Wade and his wife, Sarah, share their story after Ted sustained a severe TBI while serving in Iraq.
Stress Management Following Brain Injury: Strategies for Families and Caregivers
A TBI often brings stress for the whole family. Here are steps to help.
Brain Injury: Why Does My Loved One Act Out?
Learn more about the emotional and behavioral changes after a brain injury.
What You Need to Know in the Immediate Aftermath of Injury
A useful list to help other families and caregivers, created by a long-time caregiver.
Why Me? Why My Family Member?
Do we know the precise incidence of traumatic brain injury?
Concussion Recovery: Parents Play Important Role
Key steps for families to take.
A Family Caregiver Speaks Up
Steps caregivers can take to have more control in their lives and in those of the people for whom they are caring.
In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing
For Lee Woodruff, that phone call was like being back on the Tower of Terror: "It feels as if speed, motion, light, and time literally freeze."
TBI Consumer Report: Coping with Substance Abuse After TBI
Substance abuse is especially tricky when it comes to people who have a brain injury.
TBI Consumer Report: Parenting Post TBI
Research on how parents with TBI meet the challenges of raising children, and how the children fare.
Sgt. Wells's New Skull
Find out why this sergeant jokes about leaving part of his head in Iraq.
A Hard Chance
A love story — before and after a devastating brain injury.
The Blurry Line Between Helping and Harming After TBI
The joys and challenges of one mother whose son has a TBI.
Hold My Hand
Read how one mother found hundreds of strangers to help her care for her son with a brain injury.
How to Talk to Children About Brain Injury
Strategies to help your children understand all the changes happening after a brain injury in the family.
Holding A Family Meeting
Help your loved one with a brain injury by learning how to work cooperatively as a family.
Managing Stress Effectively After TBI, Part I
Stress weighing you down? Learn some easy ways to manage stress related to TBI.
Management of Behavioral Problems During Acute Rehabilitation of Individuals with TBI
Behaviorial issues can be significant challenges to rehab staff.
Children with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Parents' Guide
Learn to help your child adjust after a TBI.
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