The value of social networks to individuals with a severe traumatic brain injury: a mixed methods approach

Purpose: In this study, we investigate the nature and strength of the social relations of working-age individuals who have survived a severe traumatic brain injury.
Materials and methods: Fifty-three survivors diagnosed with severe traumatic brain injury completed the social network analysis questionnaire, enabling us to map their social networks using the software program EgoNet.QF. This was combined with interviews with four survivors and their significant members of their network and constructed narrative cases of the resources gained from their network.
Results: Half the survivors lost friends because of the brain injury. The most common social network post injury comprised parents followed by spouses. Close relatives experienced a dramatic change in the nature of their relationships with the survivor. They also struggled greatly with the rehabilitation health system, which in many cases affected their own careers.
Conclusion: Persons with severe traumatic brain injury and their close relatives predominantly learn to manage the new situation, with functionality driving social interaction. However, as social networks often are limited to the close family, these individuals are placed in a vulnerable position.