Between 400,000 and 500,000 people are hospitalized in the United States every year for head injury. Head Injury is a general term used to describe any trauma to the head, and most specifically to the brain itself. These injuries include:
- Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in the bone surrounding the brain and other structures within the skull.
- Intracranial (inside the skull) hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Closed head injuries: This broad term describes any injury to the brain or structures within the skull that are not caused by a penetrating injury (such as a gunshot wound or stab wound). They range from very minor to potentially fatal injuries.
The prognosis varies with each individual and depends on the severity of the injury. Even minor head injuries can have long-term consequences (usually psychological or learning disabilities). Serious head injuries can result in anything from full recovery to death or a permanent coma.
Recovery therapy is tailored to help the head-injured person adapt to his or her injury mentally and emotionally. Ministry to these patients will be as varied as the injury and individual. Some patients will be apathetic or even irritable. Responses may come more slowly than normal and inappropriate behavior and speech is not uncommon. Patience is the one of the greatest gifts you can offer when interacting with head injury patients.
The most common causes of head injury:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Stroke
- Assault or gunshot wound
- Sports, such as boxing or other recreational activity
Family Intervention
Head injuries often cause substantial family distress as family members learn to cope with the challenges a head injury poses.
- Changes of personality in head-injured persons, especially apathy, irritability, and aggression, can be burdensome to family members, especially the main caregivers.
- Even when family members understand that the person is unable to control his or her behavior, the person’s slowness, inappropriateness, and erratic responsiveness can be exasperating or even frightening.
- Family members become isolated from usual support, especially when the person’s impairments are severe, prolonged, or permanent.
Ministry suggestions for pastors and congregations for supporting families of head injury patients:
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Family caregivers will need an outlet to vent feelings and voice concerns.
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Encourage counseling for family members, especially caregivers. Mental health professionals highly recommend this type of care.
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Be aware of community resources that can assist the caregivers or guided them to professionals who can help solve problems and to family support groups. These interventions improve morale and help family members cope.
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Provide respite care for family caregiver(s). The period of time can vary from hours to days.
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Provide household assistance for the family, i.e. shopping, cooking, or cleaning.
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Include families on congregational prayer chain.
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Ask family members how they are doing. So much emphasis is focused on the injured individual that family members are sometimes forgotten as those who also need care and support.
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Consider starting or hosting a support group in your church.