Every 15 seconds somebody in the United States suffers a traumatic head injury. Of these, 90,000 will be permanently disabled and require full time care. The most vulnerable group is between the ages of 15 and 25. The harsh reality is that a brain injury is devastating for everyone involved. The injury is not just limited to the victim, but to all those that are close to them.

Whilst not all head injuries are preventable, there are measures you can take to avoid this life-changing injury. Always wear a helmet when cycling is very important. The use of helmets greatly reduces the severity of head injuries if an accident occurs. Car seatbelts should be worn at all times, and babies and children should be strapped into proper car seats during a car trip.

The victim and their families' lives are changed forever after a head injury. There is the waiting period where often the injured person stays in a coma for a long time. Depending on how severe the injury is, huge adjustments and decisions must be made. Most head injury victims will need some type of care, therapy and even machines when discharged. Medical bills are a stark reminder of how an accident affects the family. Sometimes medical insurance will only cover a portion of the hospital stay. Doctors may diagnose many other problems in addition to the brain injury. These can include loss of speech, blindness, personality changes and more.

Decisions about how the family will cope once the patient is discharged will have to be dealt with. Deciding whether to place the person in a special institution may be necessary. Home health care can be another option. If you opt to care for the patient at home, adjustments will have to be made to the home. A wheelchair requires ramps instead of steps, and special bathing equipment is necessary. The staff at the hospital will be able to give you a list of suggested equipment and adjustments to your home.

If medication is prescribed, make sure you know when and how to administer it. Keep a check list of when each drug should be taken, what each one is for, and what side effects to expect. Always keep emergency phone numbers close at hand.

As a carer, you will need lots of help and support, so don't be afraid to ask. There are head injury support groups who can offer good advice. Always accept any help offered to you. If you cannot cope, you will need to consider other options for caring for the brain injured victim.

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Article Submitted By: Jo Wilson
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