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Helping a Brain Injury Patient Communicate

One of the most difficult aspects of having a traumatic brain injury is that it can make speaking and articulating thoughts extremely hard. If your friend or loved one is having trouble communicating following a traumatic brain injury, try these strategies to help them cope.

Nurse with African American senior patient

  • Be sure they can see your face when you speak.
  • Stand about 2 to 5 feet away from them.
  • Make sure they are in a comfortable position, such as sitting down.
  • Reduce distractions such as noise from televisions or radios.
  • Make sure to get their attention before you start talking.
  • Speak slowly, simply and clearly.
  • Talk about subjects that are of a personal nature, or of specific interest to the person.
  • Stay on one subject at a time. Avoid jumping from one topic to another.
  • Use short, complete sentences.
  • Pause between sentences.
  • Repeat and reword or rephrase what you say.
  • Use gestures and facial expressions to help illustrate what you’re saying.
  • Allow time for responses. Don't rush the person.
  • Pay attention to their facial expressions and body language. Are they interested, happy, bored, upset, sad, worried or impatient?
  • Treat them with respect. Remember, they are able to understand more than their ability to communicate indicates. Include them in your conversations.
  • Allow for rest periods. Reduce stimulation and activity when they are tired.

Connect with a Brain Injury Specialist

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Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Mark H. Chan, M.D.

Mark H. Chan, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Douglas Grant, M.D.

Douglas Grant, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Tanja L. Kujac, M.D.

Tanja L. Kujac, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Matthew Johnson, D.O.

Matthew Johnson, D.O.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Ernest Y. Cheng, D.O.

Ernest Y. Cheng, D.O.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Hussam I. El-Gohary, M.D.

Hussam I. El-Gohary, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Lawrence Weil, M.D.

Lawrence Weil, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

David C. Bradshaw, M.D.

David C. Bradshaw, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Arzhang Zereshki, M.D.

Arzhang Zereshki, M.D.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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Services Near You

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Summit Campus

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Summit Campus

350 Hawthorne Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

(510) 655-4000

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Herrick Campus

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Herrick Campus

2001 Dwight Way

Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 204-4444

Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center

Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center

3100 Summit Street

Ground Floor

Oakland, CA 94609

(510) 869-8377

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