Managing Your Loved One’s Symptoms

There are several strategies that may help manage common brain injury symptoms

Brain injury may affect all aspects of a person’s life. While managing ongoing symptoms can be challenging, many people adapt and lead fulfilling lives. Supportive relationships, effective coping strategies, and engaging in meaningful activities can improve your loved one’s well-being. It is important to focus on what enhances quality of life, not just the difficulties your loved one faces. Be sure to work with your loved one’s medical professional if you notice symptoms are getting worse or don’t get better after using these tips and treatments.

Behavioral challenges are some of the most difficult symptoms for caregivers to manage after a brain injury

Behavioral challenges, like problems with social skills and interactions with others, are some of the most difficult symptoms for caregivers to manage after a brain injury. Aggression toward others, self-injury, property destruction, yelling and cursing, or doing inappropriate things may lead to serious concerns and stress on families. Oftentimes, behavior problems are the result of challenges with processing information or understanding situations correctly. Early on, some people may experience a period of anger or agitation. While this may be concerning, it is generally a sign that the brain is healing. It usually goes away as the brain begins to heal. However, if difficulties with processing or understanding situations continue, agitation can remain.

Your loved one may not understand the changes that have occurred and may make statements like, “I’m fine,” or “My memory is fine.” Part of the brain injury journey is helping your loved one understand the effects of the injury. These effects may include the inability to recognize changes in one’s skills and capacity, or problems with self-awareness. These issues can result in impaired judgment, compromised safety due to unrealistic goals, and decreased motivation to work on problem areas.

Tips that may help with managing behavior symptoms:

• Try to remain calm and avoid arguing with your loved one if they become angry or agitated.
• Redirect your loved one’s attention to something else if they become agitated.
• Look for ways to lower stress, like breathing exercises and quiet rest breaks.
• Request help from your loved one’s medical team on how to handle outbursts and challenging behaviors.
• Report any safety concerns to the medical team right away.

Get more tips on managing symptoms related to behavior.

Symptoms related to thinking and learning may be linked to a “tired brain.”

Many people with brain injury experience challenges with thinking and learning. These symptoms may be due to the type or location of the brain injury. However, another reason a person may experience symptoms that affect thinking and learning is due to neuro fatigue or a “tired brain.” After a brain injury, the brain may need more rest than before to recharge. You may even notice that your loved one is better able to pay attention earlier in the day and then become angrier or frustrated in the afternoon or evening. This is because their brain can’t manage as much information as they could before.

Your loved one may also have trouble paying attention, making it harder for them to focus and process information. Too much stimulation in the environment, such as noise, bright lights, loud music, or large crowds of people, can cause a person with a brain injury to feel overloaded.

Tips that may help with cognitive effects:

• Create a routine or schedule—that includes rest breaks—to help provide structure for your loved one
• Do more challenging thinking and learning activities in the morning or after a rest break
• Utilize memory aids like planners, notes, alarms, and smartphone apps to assist with daily tasks, appointment reminders, and medication management
• Create signs, labels, or memory books with pictures and short descriptions of people, places, and objects
• Give your loved one extra time to adjust if there is a change in their routine or to their regular daily activities

Get more tips for managing symptoms related to thinking and learning.

Depression and feelings of sadness and hopelessness can affect both a person with a brain injury and their loved ones.

Mental health symptoms are common, especially due to the stress people and their families often experience during the brain injury journey. If you or your loved one experiences these feelings for weeks, months, or longer, it is important to talk with a mental health professional. Mental health professionals have treatments that can help. Learn more about brain injury and mental health.

Tips that may help manage mental health symptoms:

• Watch for ongoing and worsening symptoms of depression
• Do things that provide comfort, such as spending time in nature or with animals
• Do activities outside, like taking walks (if approved by the medical team)
• Keep to a regular sleep routine and avoid screen time, loud music, large meals, and caffeine right before bed
• Look for opportunities for your loved one to express their feelings through activities, like art, writing, and music

Get more tips on symptoms related to emotions and mood.

Managing physical health and communication may help your loved one stay more active

There are several treatments available to help manage physical symptoms after a brain injury. Some treatments may include physical therapy and exercise, vision and vestibular therapies, stretching, medications, and the use of devices to help with mobility.

Tips that may help manage physical health symptoms:

• Use a journal or log to track symptoms, mood, sleep, and therapy progress and share this information with your loved one’s medical team.
• Ask for a physical activity routine from your loved one’s medical team.
• Eat nutritious foods and keep to a consistent sleep schedule to support overall well-being.
• Reduce the chance of falls by having your loved one use a walker or wheelchair if they need assistance with mobility.
• Look into the need for glasses (such as prism lenses) to help with vision problems.
• Use lifts or other devices to assist with moving your loved one.
• Consider electronic devices that help with communication.

Get more tips on managing symptoms related to physical health and communication.

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community