Health Buzz: Richardson Death, Head Injuries, and Other Health News
Reader Comments
Natasha Richardson
Let's wait for the autopsy results...to see what caused Richardson's sudden demise. An AVM would certainly explain the unusual death. Aspirin, fish oil...in excess...not likely! More like a pre-existing anatomic anomaly. But again....IF THERE IS AN AUTOPSY....that will be the "Final Diagnosis."
Brain-injured need services and caregivers need rest!
What's perhaps even worse than the actual head injury is the lack of services nationwide for victims of head injury. My father was deprived ozygen to his brain for 6 minutes. He was revived (actually twice) and was left with brain damage. For 21.5 years up until his death in 2007, we had a choice to either care for him (wash him, feed him, handle his moods, help him walk, deal with his extreme moods, etc) or place him in a nursing home where he would possibly get lousy care. We tried to provide the best care for my father for 14 years and then had to resort to first an assisted living facility and then multiple nursing homes. People figured that because my father didn't speak well that hew as dumb; he had been a gifted man and except for poor long-term memory he was still quite bright. He was negleced by those who didn't know him well. His life was HELL regardless of how hard we tried to make it otherwise. Anyone who is living with a brain-injured relative MUST be sure to seek services; you cannot and should not do it alone. Knock on doors, e-mails, go to govt agencies and beg for referrals, etc. Even Catholic Charities will allow you a few hours weekly to go out and just be alone while a sitter stays with your loved one (we found that out too late). Take advantage of every service you are lucky enough to find! And DO take care of yourselves. Dealing w/ a brain-injured loved one is extremly trying and exhausting.
