Fact 9: The Invisible Nature of Traumatic Brain Injury
It’s often said that TBI is an invisible injury. Unlike a broken bone or a laceration, you can’t see a TBI. This invisibility can make the injury more challenging to diagnose, treat, and even to accept, both for the person injured and their friends and family.
A person with a TBI might look fine, leading to misunderstandings about the severity of their condition. They may struggle with memory, attention, or emotional regulation, but these symptoms might be dismissed as laziness, inattention, or poor behavior.
This lack of understanding can lead to a lack of support and isolation for those living with TBI. It can strain relationships and create barriers to returning to work or school. Hence, it’s vital for friends, family, and colleagues to understand that just because the injury isn’t visible doesn’t mean it isn’t real or severe.(9)
