Brain Injury Apps Give Hope to Brain Injury Victims

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often has life-changing repercussions. The best-case scenario is that the injured person eventually recovers all abilities or recovers to the degree where he or she can function normally. Sadly, many TBI cases lead to long-term disabilities, including memory loss, loss of speech and physical impairment.

Statistically, TBI is one of the most common types of injuries in the country. Approximately 138 people die every day from TBI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

However, new apps on the market are bringing relief for those suffering with the challenges of a brain injury. These apps provide support and learning tools that can help victims to cope with short-term memory loss, stress, anxiety, anger issues, mood stabilization and socialization.

Brainline.org, an organization dedicated to providing resources for people with TBI, recently issued a review of various apps that could be life-changing for those living with a brain injury. These apps include the following (with links to their iTunes preview):

This is a simple app that provides large colored buttons, allowing a person to easily answer “yes” or “no.” This can be an extremely valuable tool for a person with TBI who is struggling with the spoken word. Answering yes or no to questions is a vital step on the road to recovery.

Cost: $1.99. Available for iOS digital devices.

Many people with TBI have problems with stress and/or anxiety. They may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This app teaches breathing exercises that were developed to control of anger, stabilize mood and manage anxiety.

Cost: Free. Available for iOS and Android.

This app helps the entire family to stay organized. It allows a person with TBI to stay up-to-date and to keep track of various family events and duties. Features include a shared family calendar, shopping lists and “to-do” lists.

Cost: Free (paid advanced version available). Available for iOS, Android

It can be difficult for people with TBI to send texts, and this app provides a solution. Speak into the phone, and the app puts your words on the screen and then send as email or text messages.

Cost: Free. Available for iOS devices.

All of the information you need is stored in one location, including the names of the medical professionals treating you, your medications, your health conditions, your allergies and your insurance information.

Cost: $1.00. Available for iOS and Android devices.

This is the highest selling word-finding application for people with aphasia (the loss of the ability to understand or express speech as a result of brain damage). The app provides practice with naming and description skills. Users or caregivers can add custom images to assist with names, items in the home and other matters.

Cost: $24.99. Available for iOS devices.

This app gives a voice to those who are literate but cannot speak due to a TBI. The app provides a voice, enables conversation and gives the user a better ability to interact and participate in society.

Cost: $64.99. Available for iOS devices.

Another app designed to provide a voice, this one is fast and flexible, and it is geared to assist with communication as quickly as possible.

Cost: $0.99. Available for iOS and Android devices.

This app is designed to assist with memory. It allows varying lengths of time to answer to help a person with an impaired memory due to TBI.

Cost: $3.00. Available for iOS devices.