Abstract

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may result in brief, moderate, or lifelong physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social and employment difficulties, extended unconsciousness, permanent disabilities, or death. The annual TBI incidence in the United States of 1.7 million people or more and the estimated 5.3 million people with TBI dwelling in the U.S. contribute to TBI being a grave public health issue. While the physician is typically considered the point person directing the medical care for an acute TBI, the key member of the health team should be the person with the TBI along with a family support person. A comprehensive approach to recovery should include early referrals to many other types of health professionals such as neurologists and other physician specialists, physical therapists, psychologists, speech therapists, etc. for early intervention and avoiding delays in healing that may result from subtle problems cognitive dysfunction, depression, or vision and other sensory system deficits. Simple tools such asa Care Notebook holding various care and treatment details as well as pragmatic strategies such as memory and communication tips for the person with the TBI and the physician (or other health professionals) should help the family stay abreast of the multiple treatments, medicine changes, appointments, and changing needs over time. In addition, a network of health professionals, community programs and e-resources are important to address the many different challenges toward recovery. A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may range from a mild to a severe: bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head that results in brain dysfunction.The impact of the TBI may range from a momentary mild brain dysfunction to a severe injury resulting in extended unconsciousness, permanent disabilities,or death. With 138 people in the United States dying daily from injuries that include TBI, the annual U.S.TBI incidence of 1.7 millionpeople or more, and an estimated 5.3