When a child suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a hospital stay is likely required for moderate or severe trauma.

The hospital may be an unfamiliar and stressful place for a child with a TBI. Knowing strategies and tips for improved communication and how to create a more comfortable environment may help put a child at ease and, therefore, facilitate recovery.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are communication experts who provide rehabilitative services, both in the hospital and after discharge, to patients who have sustained a TBI.

Your SLP can work with your family on these strategies and tailor them to your child's particular needs.

Communicating with Your Child

Follow these tips when communicating with your child following a TBI:

• Talk to your child in a calm voice.
• Answer your child's questions.
• Remind your child who you are and who is with you.
• Remind your child of where he or she is and what has happened.
• Avoid using questions -- instead, give simple instructions. For example, say "Try to open your eyes" rather than "Can you open your eyes?"
• Tell your child what you are about to do before you do it. For example, say "I'm going to brush your hair."
• Give your child time to respond.

To learn more about the stages of recovery your child will go through and suggestions for how you can interact with him or her, read the "Pediatric Guide to the Rancho Scale" care guide.

Controlling the Atmosphere in the Hospital Room

The hospital room should be kept quiet and free from bright lights and distraction. Some tips for keeping the hospital room conducive to healing:

• Keep your child’s room calm and quiet.
• Lower or dim the lights.
• Limit the number of visitors and how long they stay.
• Limit TV, radio, talking, or unnecessary noise.
• Avoid unnecessary movement and change positions slowly.
• Bring in pictures, favorite toys, and books.
• Keep to daily routines as much as possible.
• Let your child rest.