Pediatric traumatic brain injury: Challenges and interventions for families

Experiencing a brain injury is a traumatic event not only for the child who is directly affected, but also for his or her family system. Recently, attention has turned toward the potentially deleterious effects of having a child with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on parents, siblings, and extended family members. Specifically, families of TBI survivors may suffer major psychological, financial, role, and relationship risks. Therefore, treating the child with a brain injury is only one component of a comprehensive recovery program. This article describes common experiences of families following a child's brain injury, and specific strategies that might help families through the recovery/reentry process.