What Impact Will Moderate or Severe TBI Have on a Person's Life?

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Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Anonymous replied on

May 30, 2009 I fell backwards onto concrete resulting in a severe TBI, 10 days in ICU, 3 days of that with raccoon eyes from the impact. Cant remember anything of the first 6-7 days in the ICU, but my wife said I was talking and recognized the people I talked to. Got home and developed dizziness for about 2.5 weeks. Dizzy 24/7 for 2 weeks is the worst feeling in the world. An audiologist friend did a maneuver and after sitting in a neckbrace for 48hrs, dizziness was gone. Spent the past 3.5 years healing and have only felt back to normal about the past 3 months. Your personality changes severely, so much so, that almost all of my friends turned their backs on me, my job ended up letting me go due to my agressiveness towards different situations. You can actually almost watch your real self disappear into something else. You say to yourself dont do that or dont engage that person, yet your body doesn't listen/ So, you feel like you are watching yourself go crazy. Throughout this experience, you find yourself trying to explain what is going on in your mind and people just look at you like you are nuts. Then they stop believing you all together no matter how hard you try and explain they just get farther away. The only person who finally came back around was my wife, after one point telling me to leave, she finally stuck it out until I came out of the fog. People who haven't suffered one of these have no idea what you are going through, and all of the people you thought you knew have these self proclaimed psychology degrees they use to judge you and destroy your future instead of sticking it out with you. You do almost become another person, your views of certain things change, I have found that its almost impossible to trust anyone anymore, especially the ones who gave up on me and exiled me from my normal world. You really learn who the true people in your life are, cut the others loose. The headaches are few and far between now and a lot less severe/ Just give it time and dont turn your back to your "friends"or "job". They really dont care.

Anonymous replied on

my husband was hit by a car a few weeks back. He maintained a few skull fractures and a small bleed. We were in the ICU for 2 days and then stable so the doctor released us. We went to the neuro floor and within one day, we were back in ICU. His brain was stable again and we eventually made it home. Now, my husband feels so much better and acting like himself although he is still tired, irratable and is just wanting to "get back to himself." I do not know what to tell him? I cannot get a good answer on the recovery of this injury. When we went back to the Doctor, he said his brain was still swollen and wanted to see us again in a few weeks. I feel tortured and so uneasy every day. Will this ever get better for him or me?

Anonymous replied on

On 05.05.77 which was the day after my 13th birthday I was knocked down by a car and spent twelve weeks in a coma with severe TBI, I then spent a year at hospital school where I learnt to write from being left handed to using my right hand. I returned to my secondary school a year later and a year below my actual age group plus rather than being placed in the top where I had come from I was placed in one of the bottom sets. I was bullied at school and refused to go to college due to the trauma. At the age of 29 I was capable of going to university and was accepted (had worked in a shop until 26 then bar work until university). Im now 48 still at home with my amazing parents don\\\'t have any close friends, but that\\\'s life and Im alive!

Anonymous replied on

I am a mother of a 13 year old boy who is a year and 7 months past moderate TBI. We live in a very rural area and have not been able to get the medical help he desperately needs. After being hospitalized 5 times since his injury, we are now hopefully getting the help he really needs. He is really not the same child we had 2 years ago. I am really hoping to find him some help to make him happier. He used to play 3 sports and was an A/B student. He received his moderate TBI playing football at the school, not wearing helmets and he fell on the back of his head on to the cement. I just really wish there was more information out there for children with TBI!!

Anonymous replied on

I am four years post-TBI. Four bi-lateral frontal lobe subdural hematomas and a slew of subarachnoid hemorrages. GCS was 9 when I finally got to the trauma center. Post injury amnesia lasted a long time. Speech aphasia lasts to this day. Altered sense of taste and inability to regulate body temperature lasted years. I received no post-trauma rehab. I was sent home to care for a 2 year old when I could barely walk, couldn\'t read, still having seizures, it was a mess. Didn\'t drive for 7 months. Had a hard time controlling my emotions, couldn\'t recognize sarcasm in other people. I returned to work but found that I no longer had the chaos management skills necessary to work in an active shipyard on highly complex computer systems for a program I was the senior engineer. It was heartbreaking. I continued to work, but not at my previous level. Now I don\'t touch the systems, I just perform project control type activities. All the negatives aside, I believe God spared me for a reason. I\'m home with my family more and am super active in my daughter\'s school and our church and community. TBI changed my life immeasurably. For others out there get all the services for rehab and help there is to take. I regret not getting help, because I think my recovery was not as complete as it might have been had I receive some post-ICU follow-up.

Anonymous replied on

I'm a 42 yr survivor of severe traumatic brain injury (happened 1/23/1971). I've been without a sense of smell (and taste) since the injury. The physicians didn't know how I was able to survive the multitude of injuries: multiple skull fractures, swollen brain, severed small intestine, dissolved wall of bowel, abdominal cavity filled with blood,digestive juices, solid waste. I was unconscious five days, with the first three days my eyes bulged out due to brain swelling. It took me over 25 years to finally discover the reason for my survival: I am blessed by God. There is no other explanation. I continue to live a "normal life", in that I worked many years in fairly demanding capacities. Retiring from the federal government at the age of 55.

Anonymous replied on

Four years after a severe TBI caused by a fall which changed my life beyond all recognition. I still suffer with the usual aftermath; forgetfulness, absent mindedness, so much so I have lost my way home on one occasion,fatique and headaches.I become confused and overwhelmed with what used to be the most simple of tasks. Medical help is inadequate to say the least, damn well unhelpful most of the time. The biggest issues are the loneliness and frustration of not finding answers if, indeed, there are any. I do feel adrift and forever apologising for the shortcomings I now have, caused by the TBI.

Anonymous replied on

I suffered from a TBI in 1995. I was hit by a van as a pedestrian. I spent about three weeks in a drug induced coma after having an emergency evacuation of a sub-dural hematoma. I had fractured my skull and was very lucky to have survived. I have little to no problems since revovering which took a good deal of time.

Anonymous replied on

My brother had a motorcycle accident on Sept 19, 2012 and has severe tbi. He is still in a coma but moves slightly and opens his eyes at times. My question is to the person who had severve tbi when he was beaten in a bar and left face down. Can you tell me how long you were in a coma?

Anonymous replied on

I experienced moderate to severe TBI at 12 years of age. It was a skull fracture in the back of my head that resulted in coma for a couple of weeks. Over time with not much therapy, I seemed to make a significant recovery. However, I am now understanding that it has been a partial recovery. I have been plagued for the last 38 years with life long depression, apathy, dizziness, and aggression. I just assumed it was bad genes, but am now realizing that part of my struggle has been due to the brain injury. I've had to work VERY hard to overcome these lingering long lasting effects. The thing that continues to trouble me the most is the following: "cognitive abilities referred to as executive functions - the complex processing of large amounts of intricate information that we need to function creatively, competently and independently as beings in a complex world. Individuals with TBI may be unable to function well in their social roles because of difficulty in planning ahead, in keeping track of time, in coordinating complex events, in making decisions based on broad input, in adapting to changes in life, and in otherwise "being the executive" in one's own life." I have often felt like a failure in life because of these difficulties. I have considered suicide dozens of times. However, I have always battled HARD and managed to have a modicum of success in life. I managed to get a college education. I managed to be relatively successful in a career as a musician. The thing that really saved my life, however, was a deep spiritual connection based on the practice of meditation. I've worked with different spiritual teachers who have helped me tremendously. Although I've always know that trauma was at the root of many of my problems, I now discover that part of the reason for my life long STRUGGLE to survive and thrive may have roots in my brain injury. Wish I had known about it long ago. Perhaps I can improve some of these difficulties. I have heard of a therapy called EMDR that supposedly helps with PTSD which I've also always suffered from. I plan on exploring that and seeing where it takes me on my life-long healing journey. To everyone who has experienced this trauma I say this: make your LIFE about healing. Focus on it. Commit to it. Pray for it. Or unresolved trauma will destroy you. It very nearly destroyed me numerous times but it hasn't yet, and I keep battling. Good luck!!!

Anonymous replied on

i am 47 and had my moderate TBI in january 2012 while ice skating. was initially conscious but luckily knew the signs of head injury and went to the ER. was unconscious for 12 hrs, hospitalized for 4 days, and the 'improvement' has continued since then. i returned to work - full time - after 5 wks to a demanding environment which was only made more so after my injury. despite going to my boss on a monthly basis to let him know i was very overwhelmed and that all of my paperwork wasn't getting done, i was terminated' on october 1 for not having my work done. it is a healthcare environment and timely compliance is very important. many of my co-workers, and my boss i think, thought that because i was back at work and looked fine that i was in fact fine.....which i was not. i would urge everyone facing this type of ongoing issue to be very honest about your limitations! i was......but i got no assistance. i have really good days and really bad ones, balance and dizziness continue to be an issue as does my lack of appetite. in time i know i will make a new normal for myself......

Anonymous replied on

10/10/12 I am 21 years old and I have suffered a TBI from a car accident in May 2012. My memory has been lacking in a few areas, mostly the memory of the month of May. In the same car accident I received a back and neck fracture and collapsed lung. I look back on my injuries and think of how lucky I am even though my life has been a struggle. I refuse to give up.

Anonymous replied on

i was involved in a head on auto collision november 9 1995 i have suffered years of bad migranes and depresson and memory problems and i have tried not to seek medical attention after spending time in hospital and close head injury clinic i,am getting older and experiences more symptoms i know i must seel medical attention but i find it hard to tell my self i need to i have had people tell me i need to seek counceling

Anonymous replied on

My tbi happened sept. 24 2009. It was classified as a severe tbi. I was over double the legal limit a .18 alcohol blood level and 38 years old. I was left in a coma. I left a wife and 2 kids at home so I could do my daily drugs and alcohol binging. I was severely beaten at a bar and left face down for dead on a highway. Wow what a day. The greatest day of my life! why? Because I found a relationship with god. God can turn the worst tragedy into your greatest accomplishment. Relationships I had severed have been restored. I have not missed a day of work in almost 2 years and have not had a job complaint either. No Iam not a rocket scientist, lol, but I work with materials that have only .031 1/32 tolerance that must be precise and making a good living in the worst economy I have ever seen. Iam supporting my family. Dont give up whom ever you are. All things are possible with god. Iam living proof.

Anonymous replied on

I had a severe TBI when I was 12. My parents were Christian Scientists and did not take me to the hospital even though I had a large fracture of my skull, was unconsious for over an hour, and had complete amnesia for 5 to 6 hours after regaining consiouness. I really never associated this event with the many of the personality changes that occurred with me shortly there after until recently. I went from a very athletic, A student, to doing drugs and failing in school. I was able to make it through college and get off of drugs but this event clearly was a pivot point in my life. I am now 47 and to tid day still struggle with some issues. It does get better with time.

Anonymous replied on

my TBI anniversary is coming up october 29th. it will have been 5 years now. i'm sorry that i can't be positive and say in this 5 years i have found all of the answers. quite the opposite really. i was and am today, so determined to be who i was. this person that i'm clearly not anymore and that i have no recollection of. 5 years this october.. and i'm just now starting to try to google answers. my parents are in denial in the sense that they don't think i can make my own decisions, all of my old friends became confused with all of my personality changes. my memory continues to be not so good, which aggravates me on a whole other level. i NEED to find someone to talk to that understands this "invisible disease". if anyone knows of any indiana support groups, please share!

Anonymous replied on

First, to the person who posted on Aug 16th, 2012 12:49pm. You did not fail in life. What you have been through and are currently going through now does not make you a failure. I can relate a little with you on some of what you say about no social life, relationship and such but please realize you are a surviver. That alone makes you anything but a failure. I wish I could get in contact with you some way because I would gladly be your friend. Take care.

Anonymous replied on

I am 10 years into my TBI injury. My life and those of my husband and two kids have been turned upside down. I feel for anyone who has to live with this! hopefully my work injury claim will settle accordingly

Anonymous replied on

my heart go out to yall my daughter got a TBI and I know how life can handle people.I just told my little girl she can beat the odds because Jesus use the strong people not the weak ones so look at it like this God made you special for a living testimony for his kingdom.

Anonymous replied on

I had severe TBI as a child(pre 10 years old) and i'm in my 30s now. I've failed in life. Have no career and no social life. No love life. And i've been fired and not hired from any of my temp jobs. LIfe is difficult because i lack maturity and have memory and speech problems. I dont understand many things typical adults can understand. I can't join discussions or anything because i have Auditory processing problems. In Sum, i've had a hard time and i had no help ever because my parents were in denial and thought i was just normal. And they scolded me, teachers also scolded me and i was bullied al my life. So basically i'm a failure but recently i've been trying to get help in disability and also i joined a tbi support group

Anonymous replied on

I am 1 year and 10 months post TBI due to my fall 5 rows down face first on steel stadium seats. I was knocked out momentarily and have been through speech therapy, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, vision therapy, and currently am getting vestibular therapy along with continuing vision therapy. Because my incident was during coaching, it is a work related injury and being handled by workman's comp, which means I've been given poor care. All they've told me is to give it time. I am a teacher who taught Reading and Language Arts and Writing. I have had speech delays, trouble with spelling & writing, can't find my words, memory issues, not remembering short term or much of the last two years, balance issues, loss of vision fields, vision memory, and vision flexibility (can't focus far or near), light & sound sensitivity, not to mention mood swings, migraines, passing out and throwing up. Can't plan or handle much stress without shaking or crying. Every new challenge seems to set me back months in progress. I have daily migraines and can't drive. I have given up my masters classes, coaching, and after school teaching and activities. I have tried antidepressants, migraine medicines, am currently on Ritalin for attention and memory problems. My hormones have quit. I am still holding onto my teaching job, but have found new ways to teach. Technology has become my new best friend. Using it, allows me to keep the lights down low and I can create lessons at home in the quiet. I have relied on old memory (old lessons and knowledge of novels that I have read in the past) to allow me to keep teaching. One thing I can say is that I now truly understand my students who are autistic and learning disabled as I, myself, have to use many new tools to learn. Reading has just recently been a gift I have received back, only silently though. Though I may not be able to multi-task the way I used to and I can't dance, I still have heart to reach out and make the world a better place. I may not be the old me, but I will continue to strive to be a better me. Keep striving and learn to be thankful for little gifts, like a good day! God is Good and He is making me stronger! This article, helped me make sense of the loss that I have encountered and look at it with more realistic views, instead of believing what the Dr.s and Therapists have said, "that in time, I will wake up one day and be just like I was." I now know that I will not, and I can accept that if I can hope for a better tomorrow. No more tears for what I have lost, but a smile for what tomorrow holds. Thanks again! English Teacher in Kansas My only advice is to pray and be thankful for any small progress! Take all the therapy you can, because you will find amazing people who care!

Anonymous replied on

this is to the lady who had the tbi on the 7-11-11, get in contact with headway in your area, i have a tbi and they have been fantastic with me, they give me all the help i need and support me, it would be good for you, keep your chin up hun, all the best, martin mcgovern, south wales

Anonymous replied on

I have went 26 years with undiagnosed TBIs. The one to my forehead left me with nearly 100 stitches worth of three scars. I have had other serious TBIs before and since that time. The only reason they were recognized and now are diagnosed is because of me. I read about TBIs ina book and put two and two together. The medical professionals and health care industry has been of little to no help. They are mostly all bozos and idiots. The Social Security Administration is even worse. SSA is NOT your friend and they are NOT there to help you. They are there to try and make things worse. Seek out groups local to you that are for TBI survivors. Look on-line for Traumatic Brain Injury forums and websites. You have to help yourself as much as you can. People (including family, friends, co-workers, employers, and med pros) simply do not care, are ignorant, and have no interest in learning about TBIs. Educate yourself. Have TBI educational info sent to your health care providers and your doctors - and your family too. Also, speaking as a multiple TBI survivor, learn to meditate. It helps greatly. Yoga can be very good also. And, frankly, smoking pot will greatly help reduce your anxiety and reduce your anger and hostility. It is good natural medicine - just don't have it in your car. The police are NOT your friends. Avoid them. Pester your doctor for help with your TBI. Be relentless. Also check all your local hospitals for any programs they may have or know of for people with TBIs. Do the same on line. Email people. Email doctors. Email the mayo clinic. Email TBI specialist lawyers. Get all the advice and help that you can and then put it together and organize it in a way that you can deal with it and make use of it. Lastly, if your TBI related behavioral/emotional/social dysfunctionalities persist, MAKE SURE they are documented. Make your doctor address them and document them - and then start working up a SSA disabilities claim. Odds are for you will be turned down on your first try. Do an appeal. Be persistant. You may be unemployable due to your TBI. I am, so I speak from experience. Check into Prepaid Legal. It is a way to pre-pay for legal services and to get them at reduced rates. They may have changed names, but look on-line and you will find them. They are VERY useful - for many more things than just TBI related issues. Get a speeding ticket? if you have a Pre-Paid legal services plan you can request an attorney to come with you to the court hearing and get you out of trouble - at no extra charge to you (cops HATE it when people come to contest their traffic tickets and bring a lawyer with them). I hope this helps.

Anonymous replied on

November 7 2011 car accident. Diagnosed mild TBI but then got so upset all the time i was asking for help the police broke my leg. now scared not sure how recover. people not sure how deal with me now. miss my ex boyfriend so much but i scared him away after my accident. he will not speak to me. my accident was 6 months post breakup. just b4 breakup lost job. how do i get help for this it is invisible injury people don't understand

Anonymous replied on

I'm supposed to be a reasonably smart guy. Sure I'm no genius but you know what I mean. I did the V.C.E. (Victoria, Australia's Year 12) with an average of around a B. Nearly 3 years ago I got hit by a light truck doing 80kph during appalling weather. I suffered a 3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale and they put me in an induced coma for 10 days. I can't remember any of this, it has been told to me by the people that I love. At the beginning of this year I enrolled in a T.A.F.E. course. It isn't college but higher education. Because I've got so much spare time I decided to use it to advance myself getting a better education and thus a better job. But even though the course is basic I find it a bit to hard at the moment. Sadly I think my brain is letting me down which makes sense to me recently as I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Sorry and I feel bad but I'm hoping that my brain will get better over time. I didn't have much patience before but I've got vast quantities now. I think I am just realizing how close to death I was. Some of my mates, who are as a tough as nails, started crying after my accident. That's it for my epistle. To all the people who have suffered a brain injury I say please persevere, the Human Mind is such a powerful thing.

Anonymous replied on

This article is actually quite encouraging! I am a year and four months past my severe TBI, after which I was unconscious for eleven days. I am an honor graduate of Harvard and was a college professor until my injury, so it's nice to be encouraged by the acknowledgment that while my life is very different now, it's far from over, and I can still find ways to be valuable and contribute.

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