Coping with traumatic brain injury

By Amy Matthew
The Pueblo Chieftain

No two brain injuries are the same, but many people who suffer brain trauma experience similar physical and mental changes.

Some of the physical problems can include fatigue, lack of coordination, sleep disorders, vision problems and seizures. Anxiety, depression, lethargy and aggression are common emotional challenges.

The Brain Injury Association of Colorado notes that while great medical advancements have been made in treating such injuries, knowledge about brain rehabilitation has lagged. Brain-injury survivors can feel adrift even if they have a stable support system.

"Even with your family around you, you feel by yourself, isolated," said Puebloan Mike Guagliardo, who suffered a traumatic brain injury three years ago.

Support groups, like the one held once a month at Parkview Medical Center, provide an excellent way for survivors and their families to support each other and learn more about their recovery.

Gayanne Hotzel started attending the meetings eight years ago with her friend, who has a brain injury. She now puts together a monthly newsletter for the group.

"People need to be aware there is a place for them to go, to bring up problems they have and how to deal with them," Hotzel said. "I really didn't know what a brain injury was until I met my friend, and now we hear about so many of them."

The Brain Injury Association of Colorado Pueblo Support Group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in the Sierra Room at Parkview Medical Center. It is open to survivors of brain injuries, their families and caregivers and is led by Dr. Jim Evans, a Colorado Springs psychologist.

For information, contact Evans at (877) 406-8747 or Hotzel at 544-9517.

For information about brain injuries, visit the Brain Injury Association of Colorado Web site at www.biacolorado.org.

Please read our legal disclaimer.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI through the negligence or carelessness of others, you may be entitled to compensation.

The assistance of an experienced TBI lawyer can help you find the answers you need and get the compensation you deserve. The filing of a lawsuit may help you recover financial damages to help you with the continuing medical bills and compensate you for your physical and mental suffering. Don't risk your health and peace of mind.