Studies consistently show that over half of brain injured persons suffer from chronic depression. Cognitive and physical deficits are common results of brain injury, and those deficits cause loss of self-esteem, inability to enjoy life, and inability to effectively relate to others. Depression also impacts the individual’s ability to recover from the brain injury, or to effectively manage their lives even after they have recovered from the physical limitations imposed by a TBI. Please be aware that the depressive symptoms can warrant treatment as well, and the fact that such symptoms are intertwined with the physiological aspects of the brain injury demand that a neuro-psychiatrist or similar physician trained in TBI issues will be critical to recovery. For a more detailed article on TBI and depression, follow this link:  

http://www.biausa.org/elements/BIAM/2004/depression.pdf

This month, in Brain injury Professional,  a publication of the North American Brain Injury Society www.nabis.org , there is an excellent article on the after affects for families of children who suffer traumatic  brain injuries and remain in a low response state.  Such children have unique long term medical needs, and typically require treatment and care from a wide array of professionals, including: occupational, speech and physical therapists, neurocognitive and neuropsychological specialists, nutritionists, neuroendocrine specialists, and local public schools.  Click HERE for the entire article.