What Happens to a Family After Brain Injury

Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer and Dr. Taryn Stejskal

Dr. Kreutzer and Dr. Stejskal to talk about their work with people with traumatic brain injury and their families.

Posted on BrainLine May 27, 2009.
Produced by Victoria Tilney McDonough and Brian King.

About the author: Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD

Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry at VCU. He serves as Director of Virginia's TBI Model System, a position he has held since 1987. He also coordinates VCU Health System outpatient services for families and persons with brain injury.

Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer

Comments (3)

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I have a son who was hit by a car in 1994, at the age of 10. He is a TBI and is now 35 years old. I am his mother, guardian, and caregiver. I stay home a lot, because taking him out is so hard, getting him in and out of the van. He gets upset and will scream out, try/and does hit me. I love him so much and have put my life on hold, to see to it that he is clean and comfortable and happy. My other 3 children have grown up and moved on with there lives, never to help as his brother/sisters should to a point. My husband left me and Daniel (with TBI) 14 years ago...and when you say mad, sad, lonely, and I really don't have a life. I live in a small town Edenton NC. and there is nothing here to help. Thank God I go to church and love my church family. But Sunday is about all I can do, since caregivers come and go. I have done most all on my own...Dr. appointment/dentist....working with Trillium Case Worker to get what Daniel needs....and yes we ( me and Daniel) have been blessed, but you have to do so much to get what we need, I have fought tooth and nail for 25 years to get the best and be the best for his needs and to have as happy a life as I can. I am burnt out and have no choice but do as I do every day. Thank you for letting me vent Earline Surratt I am on Facebook....

Thank you for sharing that, I was a sibling carer. I feel your pain and frustration, keep making a little time for yourself no matter what. Love and strength to you

I take care of my twin sister with a severe brain injury. She has had a brain injury for 15 years. We are close twins, live together. Now, she gets angry with me. Her aging is causing her to experience things differently including changes in her brain. Thank God for going to church and loving our Savior. I could not do it otherwise.