Repeated blows to the head result in further damage to the brain. The effects of repeated injuries to a brain that has sustained a previous brain injury tend to add up, causing greater damage and longer recovery time than the initial injury.
For this reason, it is best for people with TBI to exercise caution and reduce the risk for sustaining another TBI.
You can help your family member with TBI decrease their risk for another head injury by:
- Safeguarding your home
- Insisting on the use of safe practices (for example, wearing seatbelts in the car)
- Following the recommendations of the healthcare team on activity restrictions (for example, no contact sports until medically cleared)
A good rule of thumb is: If they make a helmet for an outdoor activity (for example, biking, downhill skiing, rollerblading, motorcycle riding, etc.), everyone in the family should wear one!