First Steps
The first few days or weeks following a diagnosis of brain injury can be confusing and even frightening. These resources will help answer some of your questions and ease your concerns. The following resources provide basic information for families dealing with the medical treatment of brain injury, including definitions of medical concepts and professionals.
- The First Steps: When Your Family Member or Friend has a Brain Injury
- Concussion: Brain Injury Association of America Concussion Information Center
- Acute Brain Injury: A Guide for Family and Friends
- For additional resources on brain injury diagnosis and treatment, visit the Brain Injury Association of America website.
Rehabilitation
The goal of rehabilitation is to help the survivor of brain injury to regain the most independence possible. Rehabilitation is different for everyone because no two brain injuries are exactly alike. The doctors and nurses will be talking with you and your loved one about the rehabilitation process, and what to expect during this time. Hospital discharge planners and social workers are available in the hospital to assist you and your loved one in getting appropriate rehabilitation services.
- The Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services provides resources for making decisions about rehabilitation facilities and ensuring that your loved one receives the best care.
- If your loved one needs sub-acute rehabilitation services, either before or following Acute rehabilitation, the NYS Nursing Home Profile provides listings and quality rankings.
- A Neuropsychological assessment is an integral tool for rehabilitation and independence. Neuropsychological Assessment: a Key Piece of the Puzzle After Brain Injury provides an overview of the assessment and how it helps.
If you have trouble finding information here or have additional questions, please feel free to call BIANYS at 1-800-444-6443 or contact us by email.