The brain is a remarkable organ. However, a hard blow to the head can cause an injury that costs the victim a great deal. It's important to remember that just as every individual is different, every TBI is unique.

TBI stands for Traumatic Brain Injury. Concussions are a mild form of TBI. Functionally, a TBI has occurred when the blow to the head is severe enough to cause the brain to move inside the skull. Brain injuries can be open (which includes a breaking of the skull bones) or closed. It's important to note that the brain, though remarkable, has a loose consistency. While it takes a great deal of force to tear a muscle or break a bone, once the brain is moving about in the skull, breaks in neural networks can happen quickly and be catastrophic. Anyone who loses consciousness after a blow to the head should receive immediate medical care. There are 3.2 million Americans who struggle with disabilities related to a TBI. One such incident can radically change the life of the victim.

TBI survivors can experience a great deal of frustration as they try to understand what their injury means moving forward. They may suffer from headaches or experience vertigo. Some TBI sufferers experience serious memory problems and concentration issues while others have a hard time making a decision or getting started on a project. Managing distractions can be very tough for some TBI sufferers.

Many TBI survivors have a very low tolerance for noise. Televisions, car horns and barking dogs can all be very disruptive for TBI survivors. Some TBI victims find that extremes in temperature can be very hard on their bodies and brains. Getting too warm makes it nearly impossible to concentrate while getting too cold can lead to anxiety or panic attacks. When caring for a loved one with TBI, do everything you can to keep them in a temperate environment that is as quiet as possible. Help them rest. Many TBI survivors find that ordinary tasks take much more energy than they used to, so try to encourage a nap whenever needed.

When possible, do your best to simplify life for a TBI sufferer. Having too many choices or decisions to make can be exhausting for someone who has suffered breaks in their neural pathways. It is possible to build new routines and habits after a brain injury, but these new processes may take time to become solid.