Abstract
The focus of the study was to understand traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the viewpoint of the survivor of TBI. Thirty individuals who had sustained a TBI answered a questionnaire about issues relating to TBI. Responses to 65 items were secured. Issues addressed included medical predictors and work-outcome, neuropsychological and other assessments, TBI-engendered deficits, rehabilitation, emotional reaction, emotional support sources, treatment and information sources, coordination between care-giving institutions, modifications and accommodations at work and school, and survivor-helpful devices.
Many findings were consistent with evidence in the literature. However, PostConcussional symptoms were reported by a larger range of survivors than has been suggested in previous research. Reduction in some category severity levels two years post-TBI was also suggested. Previous research had not focused upon survivors’ ratings of care-giving institutions, professionals and others. The present study addressed such ratings.
Based on a review of the literature and the results of the study, it was recommended that institutions and professional care-givers take proactive steps to inform TBI survivors and their families of sources of emotional support, treatment, and information. It was also suggested that professionals better coordinate support services.