Information for parents of children with traumatic brain injuries

Nearly 500,000 children a year are treated for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) across the country. This means that children make up 35% of the total number of TBIs treated each year. This initial figure does not even include the number of children who have died as a result of TBI.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating impact to the head that disrupts normal brain function. This interruption can cause periods of unconsciousness, dizziness, vomiting, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or even death. Traumatic brain injuries range in severity from “mild,” such as a concussion, to “severe.” A TBI is not something that occurs during birth or is experienced before the child is born. TBIs can be caused by falls, accidents, or assaults.

A brain injury causes the brain to work differently, which could cause the child’s personality to change. Many children will change the way they act, move, and think, which, in most cases, will affect how well they do in school. TBI can cause significant changes in a child’s thinking and reasoning, word comprehension, memory, attention, problem solving, physical activities, vision, and hearing.

Many students who have suffered a traumatic brain injury are believed to have a learning disability, emotional disturbance, or mental retardation and are treated as having a learning disability. In the end, children with traumatic brain injuries may not receive the education they need. Children with TBI may not appear different from children born with a mental disability, but their understanding of their problem is very different. Many children can often remember what they were like before the injury and may have emotional problems adjusting to their new disability. Parents, friends, and teachers also have trouble adjusting to a child’s disability. Parents should consider seeking counseling or some form of therapy to learn how to deal with the changes their child is experiencing.

It is recommended that parents find out what special education programs different schools have to offer so that the child can more easily return to public life. And always remember, TBI symptoms are not always static. Throughout a child’s life, their mental, physical, and emotional disabilities can get worse or better. Parents should always be prepared for any changes that may come their way. It is incredibly important to stay informed about TBIs because the more you know about TBIs, the more you will be able to understand and help your child.