Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Care Instructions

Overview

A moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or hard jolt to the head. It can also be caused by an injury that punctures the skull. This injury can lead to lifelong health problems.

For a moderate to severe head injury, you'll have emergency treatment right away. This may include medicine, fluids, help with breathing, or surgery. Most people with a moderate to severe TBI will need ongoing treatment and therapy. This can help manage the long-term effects of a serious brain injury.

A moderate to severe TBI may cause long-term problems with thinking and learning, motor skills, hearing and vision, and changes in mood and behavior. The effects of a TBI can be different for each person, and they may change over time.

There are many different types of treatments and therapies to help people manage daily life with a serious brain injury. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you relearn skills, manage daily living, and improve your quality of life.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself?

• Build good sleep habits. And get plenty of rest during the day. Getting enough rest is an important part of recovery.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Return to your normal activities gradually. Or find other safe activities that you enjoy.
• Eat healthy foods. Healthy eating may help you feel well and have the energy you need for daily tasks.
• Ask your doctor when it's okay for you to drive a car, ride a bike, or operate machinery.
• Ask your doctor when it's okay to return to sports or physical activities.
• Avoid activities that make you feel worse. These may be physically or mentally demanding activities like housework, exercise, schoolwork, or video games.
• If your doctor prescribed medicines for pain or other symptoms, take them as directed. Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicines if needed.
• If you feel irritable, get away from whatever is bothering you. Ask for support from friends or family if you need to. Or consider talking to a counselor.
• If you are getting long-term care, such as physical therapy, counseling, or other therapies, make sure to go to all of your appointments.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have a seizure.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You are confused or can't stay awake.
• You have a headache that gets worse and does not go away.
• You have new vision changes or one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) that is larger than the other.
• You have slurred speech, balance problems, or decreased coordination.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse vomiting.
• You feel less alert.
• You have new weakness or numbness in any part of your body.
• You have new symptoms, such as unclear thinking or changes in mood.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.