Gabby Giffords' Road to Recovery Is Simply Remarkable

Congresswoman Gabby Giffords is certainly an inspiration for those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Her remarkable road to recovery was well documented and shown on the recent ABC 20/20 Episode. 

Statistically, only about 10% of those who are shot in the head even survive.  Severe brain injuries, such as from gunshot wounds, can leave the victim with physical disabilities, cognitive problems, and behavioral symptoms. The potential physical symptoms can run from total or partial paralysis to things like vision and speech problems, and general fatigue. Cognitive and behavioral disabilities from a severe brain injury can pose devastating problems for the victim too. There are innumerable cognitive and behavioral issues that a TBI victim may have to deal with, including attention, concentration, learning, and memory issues, as well as depression, irritability, and inappropriate behavior issues. Recovery from such a devastating injury is very slow, and improvements can continue to be seen months up to several years later. Some of the recovery is attributable to rewiring of neurons in the brain, sprouting new connections to attempt to regain their former functions and take over functions of the neurons that were lost.

As shown with Congresswoman Giffords, one of the most important parts of the rehabilitation process is family understanding and support for the TBI victim. Dealing with the effects of TBI is a lifelong issue for the family, as well as the victim.