Debi Wright

Out of Your Mind Debi Wright

When the fire engine that my husband was on exploded, the blast shot his limp body twenty-five feet into the air. When he landed on his head, on concrete, our family's lives were changed forever. This traumatic brain injury (or TBI) went undiagnosed, as is the case after most car accidents, roadside bomb blasts in Iraq, extreme sport incidences, contact sport injuries, and "jackass" stunts. It is vital for all spouses, families, teachers, coaches, emergency responders, clergy members, and the staff at the Veteran's Administration to be aware of the delayed onset of symptoms, and how to recognize those symptoms and receive early intervention. Most closed-head injuries can cause far more devastating permanent brain injuries than those found in most open-skull injuries. Common symptoms are memory loss, depression, seizures, changes in coping skills, and mood swings. With the overwhelming statistics-more than 6 million car accidents with injury in the U. S. in 2005, nearly 3 million recreational sport-related injuries, and the underestimated count of 300,000 veterans coming from Iraq with TBI, Out of Your Mind affects each one of us nationally, as well as worldwide. Out of Your Mind is the account of the emotional, educational, and inspiring thirteen years of our family's struggles with the elusive traumatic brain injury. Through impossible decisions, and moments when we all felt we had reached our lowest points, there are successes, setbacks, and triumphant survival. This story is about the innermost emotions of this caregiver, and the mistakes made and lessons learned. The book also discusses imperative documentation, vital research, and techniques for maintaining sanity, and the importance of keeping your family safe and intact. Awareness and early detection are aimed at preventing those with undiagnosed head injuries from succumbing to drug and alcohol addictions, overdoses, violence, school dropouts, divorce, and suicide.