Illinois Valley Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group

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What Is A Brain Injury?

How Many People Have TBI?

What Are The Causes Of Brain Injury?

What Are The Types Of Brain Injury?

What Are Possible Impairments?

Commonly Asked Questions

Is There Any Treatment?

What Is The Prognosis?

What Research Is Being Done?

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Commonly Asked Questions

WHY IS HE/SHE UNCONSCIOUS?
When the brain has been injured, either with a direct
blow to the skull, or has been tossed about violently (for
example, after being involved in a car crash), sensitive
brain tissue may be damaged. The bruising can
temporarily or permanently injure those specific regions
responsible for normal awake states. It is almost
impossible to accurately predict if and when that
individual will awaken. X-rays or brain scans cannot
foretell if or when the patient will emerge from a coma
or the changes that may follow.

IF THE X-RAYS CAN’T PREDICT OUTCOMES,
WHY DO THEM?
X-rays can quickly and painlessly look inside the skull to
evaluate any bleeding caused by the injury. Bleeding
can expand and put pressure on vital tissues, leading to
permanent brain damage, problems with breathing, or
even death. CAT, MRI and SPECT scans have saved
thousands of lives by visualizing skull fractures, blood
clots, or other conditions requiring surgery.

IF SUCH CONDITIONS ARE DISCOVERED,
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
If surgery is required, specialized brain surgeons
(neurosurgeons), can intervene. After surgery, the
patient will be monitored closely in the Intensive Care
Unit (ICU) for days to weeks.

AFTER THE SURGERY, IS THE PATIENT OUT
OF DANGER?
Unfortunately not. Because the brain controls all major
activities of the human body, complications can include
bleeding ulcers, fever (usually from infections of the
lungs or bladder), weakness of one or both sides of the
body, swelling within the brain itself, tightness or
stiffening of the muscles, breathing problems, seizures.

CAN THESE COMPLICATIONS BE PREVENTED?
Many can be helped or prevented, but even in the best
medical centers, these problems can still occur.
Medicines can be given, laboratory samples taken, or
ventilators ordered to help the breathing. If
complications do result, ask the physician to explain the
causes, and what is being done about them.

WHAT IS MEANT BY A VEGETATIVE OR
MINIMALLY RESPONSIVE STATE?
Patients who have no meaningful interaction with the
outside world, and have sleep and wake cycles are
considered vegetative. This is a very misunderstood
state, for the patients may have periods when their eyes
are open, but they don’t interact with the world. They
may turn their head and eyes when someone enters the
room, or turn quickly in the direction of a loud noise,
but are still not awake as we understand it. In all
likelihood, this is a different type of coma, and may last
weeks, months, or years.

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT THERAPISTS DO,
AND HOW CAN I HELP?
All the therapists are specialists for different functional
activities. Physical therapists focus on the walking,
posture, and balance. Occupational therapists are
experts on the upper extremities (arms and shoulders)
and activities of daily living (for example, dressing,
bathing, feeding oneself). Speech pathologists focus on
swallowing disorders, and problems with language and
cognition. Ideally, time spent with each of the
disciplines can help you learn techniques to handle,
stimulate, and interact therapeutically with the patient.
The nurses and therapists realize that you have probably
never been in this situation before, and are very willing
to help and teach.

CAN I ACTUALLY INTERFERE WITH THE
PATIENT’S RECOVERY AND/OR WITH
THERAPIES?
After brain injury, patients cannot “screen out” outside
distractions as before. Thus as a general rule, only two
people should be in the room visiting at once. Only one
talks or touches the patient at one time. Too much noise,
too many visitors, too many distractions, can irritate and
agitate the patient, without intentions to do so.

WILL HE/SHE REMEMBER ANY OF THIS AND
DO THEY HAVE ANY PAIN?
This may vary from person to person. Patients may
have little if any memory of their hospital stay. This
amnesia may last hours, days, weeks, months or
permanently. It is unusual to feel pain, especially for
those in a coma. As they awaken, discomfort can be felt
and should be treated accordingly.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM GETTING
DEPRESSED, NOT SLEEPING, ANXIOUS, OR
FEARFUL?
Because this can be a roller coaster ride with highs and
lows, everyone deals with it in his/her own way. If you
or anyone else is having problems coping, which is very
natural, please seek professional help. Ask the doctor in
charge, the social worker, the psychologist, your friends,
priest, rabbi, or minister. The important thing is to ASK
FOR HELP.

WHERE CAN I CALL OR READ MORE ABOUT
BRAIN INJURY?
One source is the Brain Injury Association of Illinois.
This is an organization comprised of people with brain
injuries, family members, and professionals who have
expertise in brain injury rehabilitation. There are
opportunities to talk to members or professionals, and
have educational materials sent to you.