Where can you find a brain injury support group?
The human brain is associated with many of the human body's functions. It makes us do the things we do. Being the center of the nervous system, the brain dictates how the body will react to varied stimuli. Much of what we do everyday such as thinking, reasoning, walking, eating, among others, can be attributed to the brain. Thus, any form of brain injury will greatly affect the way people live.
A brain injury is a result of any force inflicted to the head. It may be caused by accidents, violence or as a result of other illness like a stroke or aneurysm. Brain injuries are of two types. It may be open or closed brain injury. An open brain injury or a penetrating head injury happens when an object penetrates the skull affecting the brain. This usually affects a specific area of the brain tissue. On the other hand, a closed brain injury occurs due to a blow to the head or as a result of a violent motion wherein the brain knocks against the human skull. Unlike an open brain injury, a closed brain injury may affect tissues throughout the brain or a specific area only. The effects of a traumatic brain injury greatly depend on the type of head injury sustained. It ranges from mild, moderate and severe. It can also be short term or long term. Therefore, the more severe the injury, the more damage it can cause. The type of brain injury will also dictate the treatment to be used. Treatment may include medication, operation and rehabilitation through therapy.
Brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Sustaining a head injury can be traumatic not only for the person injured but also for his family. It is for this reason that brain injury support groups are created. Support groups are composed of individuals with varied personal backgrounds but sharing the same experiences and illness or undergoing the same dilemma. Education is the key to properly care for brain injury patients and survivors. Support groups for brain injuries provide such education to enable survivors to cope with their disabilities and go on with their respective lives. Support groups can be a reliable source of information, sympathy, assistance and even financial help. These groups give their members the feeling of not being alone and serve as a continuous reservoir of hope.
What Should You Expect?
Finding a brain injury support group is easy as counting one, two, and three. Almost all states now have their own support group. First, talk to a doctor since most doctors will normally recommend a support group to their patient that is usually associated with a hospital, church or a religious or charitable organization so it is important to ask. Second, the local library or community center will probably have a listing of support groups operating within your area. Third, check online resources. Thanks to technology, the World Wide Web provides listings for various brain injury support groups worldwide. Listings include the name of the support group, contact number, address and the services being offered. Support groups for brain injury survivors can also be found in social networking sites. The popularity of social networking sites makes it an ideal means to reach more people who might be in need of assistance. The growing number of groups catering to the needs of survivors of brain traumas and their families is an indication of how effective sharing one's pain and experiences can lead to recovery. Finding one need not be a tedious task. A computer and internet connection is all you need. Help is just a click away.