ABSTRACT
A brain injury is often a medical emergency, especially if it is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a stroke, for example. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can cause a life to change forever, as can repeated mild injuries. There is increasing international recognition that stroke and TBI require medical help as soon as possible - preferably within the first hour. This is known as 'the golden hour', as patients are more likely to survive if they are given treatment quickly. In hospitals/clinics it is vital that someone with a brain injury is seen quickly. In better-equipped hospitals, the patient will also be linked to monitoring machines, which record the pressure inside the brain and 'beep' if it gets too high. The patient may be provided with a breathing apparatus that breathes for them. When family members see their loved one for the first time they may find the equipment shocking and extremely distressing.
