My husband suffered a severe TBI in a Memphis motorcycle accident last month. What can my family and I do to help him recover?

First, it is important to understand that your husband may never experience a full recovery. Most victims of a severe TBI must deal with the effects of brain damage for months, years and sometimes permanently.

However, there are many ways you can help him. Here are a few general suggestions that may help you to help your loved one:

• In the months immediately following the injury, you should be sure your husband is receiving the best possible medical treatment. This can help to minimize the effects of the TBI.
• Understand that you will undergo stress as the changes and effects of the TBI become more apparent. It is vitally important that you take care of yourself, so you can be a better support to him. There are many support groups for caregivers.
• Never compare how your husband is now with how he “used to be”. This can be very upsetting for him. It is much better to celebrate small successes and be very positive about the future.
• Try to keep distractions and noise to a minimum around the house and follow a set routine. These have been shown to help the TBI patient cope with memory and concentration.
• Help further with memory impairment by making lists and helping your loved one write down anything important.
• Be calm. Sometimes head injuries can cause emotional volatility or a lack of emotion. Your husband could be emotionally non-responsive; don’t take it personally or mention it to him. Conversely, he could experience intense mood swings or inappropriate reactions to daily events. Keep your cool and try to help him recognize when this happens.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the accident, call a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney for a consultation.

For help holding any party you suspect of being negligent and causing your spouse’s injury, please give us a call at Greer Injury Lawyers in Memphis. We represent the victims of motorcycle accidents and their families.