Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injury

How do brain injuries occur?

• Most brain injuries are the result of an accident or an assault.
• Injury to the brain may also occur any time oxygen to the brain is cut off, such as in a stroke, or because of infection.
• A closed brain injury occurs when the head hits another surface or is seriously jarred.
• An open brain injury occurs when an object penetrates the brain.

What does a brain injury affect?

• The effects of a brain injury vary enormously depending on the area and extent of damage.
• A person with a brain injury may experience paralysis; seizures; headaches; or difficulty speaking, hearing, or seeing.
• A brain injury often results in long- or short-term memory loss
• The person may have difficulty learning, concentrating, comprehending , planning or thinking quickly.
• The person may experience mood swings, depression, anger, excessive emotional displays, or changes in personality.

Will a person with a brain injury recover?

• There is hope for the best possible recovery with treatment and support.
• More people are surviving brain injuries due to advances in medical technology and understanding.
• Medication, surgery and rehabilitation can greatly decrease the results of the injury.

As the friend or family of a person with a brain injury, how can I help?

• Learn as much as you can about the person’s injuries. Discuss questions and concerns with medical personnel.
• Ask physical, occupational, speech or other therapists what you can do to help.
• Take care of yourself! Eat well, get enough rest, accept help, talk to trusted friends or a professional counselor.

Where to find help:

• Uhlhorn Program, 689 West 13th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402, 541-345-4244, FAX 541-334-0680, email uhlhorn@sheltercare.org
• The Oregon Brain Injury Resource Network, 1-800-544-5243 or 503-585-0855, email tbi@wou.edu, Web http://www.tr.wou.edu/tbi/
• The Brain Injury Association of Oregon (BIAO), 503-585-0855, email BIAOR@open.org, Web http://www.biaoregon.org/
• How You Can Help

We can all help prevent head injuries by taking simple safety precautions!

• Wear a bicycle helmet.
• Use a seat belt.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t ride with someone who is drunk.