• Home
• TBI in Washington
  • TBI Council
  • Related Links
  • News
  • TBI Fact Sheets
  • Legislation and Policy
  • UW TBI Model Systems
• People/Family with TBI
  • About TBI
  • Recovery Process
  • Resources
  • Clubhouse Pilot
  • Caregivers
  • Children
  • Seniors
  • Survivor Stories
  • Find Help
• Professionals
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Facilitating Recovery
  • Resources
• Veterans
  • Dept. of Veteran's Affairs
  • Wounded Warriors Center
  • Defense & Vets Brain Injury
  • After Deployment
• Prevention
  • Teen Driving
  • Sports Concussion in WA
  • Protect Babies' Heads and Necks
  • Wear a Helmet
  • Always Use Your Seat Belt
  • Senior Falls Prevention

Learn about TBI - For Individuals and Families

Where to Get Help

Help for People with Brain Injuries

"It was the first time in my life that I couldn't depend on myself."

There are many people who can help you and your family as you recover from your brain injury. You don't have to do it alone. Take this information to your doctor or health care provider and talk with them about your concerns. Ask your doctor whether you need specialized treatment and about the availability of rehabilitation programs. Your doctor may be able to help you find a health care provider who has special training in the treatment of concussion. Early treatment of symptoms by professionals who specialize in brain injury may speed recovery. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist, neuropsychologist, neurosurgeon or specialist in rehabilitation.

Help for Families and Caregivers

"My husband used to be so calm. But after his injury, he started to explode over the littlest things. He didn't even know that he had changed."

When someone close to you has a brain injury, it can be hard to know how best to help. Individuals with brain injuries may say that they are "fine" but you can tell from how they are acting that something has changed.

If you notice that your family member or friend has symptoms of brain injury that are getting worse or are not getting better, talk to the individual and his or her doctor about getting help. Family members may also need help if you can answer YES to any of the following questions:

• Has their personality changed?
• Do they get angry for no reason?
• Do they get lost or easily confused?
• Do they have more trouble than usual making decisions?

You might also want to talk with people who have experienced what you are going through. The Brain Injury Association can put you in contact with people who can help.

Resources for Getting Help

"I thought I was all alone, but I'm not. There are lots of people out there who understand what I've been through."

Several groups help people with brain injury and their families. They provide information and put people in touch with local resources, such as support groups, rehabilitation services and a variety of health care professionals. See Resource Management Services .

For more information please contact the TBI Info and Referral line at 1-877-TBI-1766.