Tbi of a family member. New member post.... looking for support.

[soworried1]

Hi there.

A close family member suffered a tbi 11 weeks ago today following a car accident. He is 21 and has not fully regained consciousness. It is torture for us and we feel at a loss as to how best help and support him. He is due to have a shunt fitted to hopefully help him regain consciousness.

We have had differing advice..... stimulate him.... be careful not to over stimulate him....

Just thought I'd put it out there as others may have some tips.

[Hidden]

It is very, very early days yet. It can take many months for someone to begin to improve so please try not to get too despondent. Just talk to him about general things, nothing to difficult for him to absorb, play him music, etc. Many people on this site will tell you that, although they appeared unconscious they could hear what was being said to them. For that reason, try to be careful what you say about his condition in his hearing. Do phone Headway, they will answer any questions you have.

Wishing you lots of luck.

[soworried1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply.

The doctors are saying it is early days but would expect him to be more awake than he is.

We have been told from the beginning that he can hear us so we are very very careful - we just say you are in hospital and you are safe, you just need some time to get better.

We play him his favorite songs, some him photos and video's of his little boy and spend time reading to him.

I am his step mum and there has been conflict in the family about who mum does and does not allow to visit. I know if it was me my children would be a trigger for me to wake up but his mum has stopped some of his dear friends and his baby from being allowed in. Some medical staff disagree with her and others don't - its just so hard to know what is best. It concerns me about his rights when he cannot give consent or not.

He is as we speak having a shunt fitted - so a very anxious day with everything crossed.

They have said he does have severe brain damage but it is far to early to say what that means for him. We just keep strong and positive but some days it is so hard.

I will talk to headway - thank you very much - it is a relief to get some of it off my chest with people who have walked the walk.