ABSTRACT
In 1989, David Hall, Consultant Paediatrician, wrote: 'Although one may empathise with parents who have a head injured child, it may be that only those who have been through such trauma can really understand'. When the child or young person first becomes ill or suffers an injury, the family's world can be turned upside down. It may not be clear initially if he will survive and parents find themselves in an alien medical world, where they can feel powerless to do what they most wish to do – care for their child – and have to leave him in the hands of strangers. In addition to fear, powerlessness and anxiety, issues of guilt and blame are common. This is sometimes referred to as survivor guilt. Brothers and sisters may also frequently feel guilt, particularly following a traumatic brain injury.
