As an ICU RN, You are predisposed and trained to look for and track every change. This is counter to brain injuries. Brain injuries, even mTBI's usually result in a roller coaster ride as symptoms come and go. There will be trends developing over time (weeks or more)

11 days is just getting started with mTBI. Symptoms can get worse for up to 6 weeks or more as the brain tries to sort out the permanently damaged areas and those areas that will heal. Minimizing stress and further injury while supporting the brain as it tries to purge the toxins that result from the injury is often all that can be done.

Coma is the brain doing this. It limits functions so that the brain can rest as it slowly gathers the best functioning parts and brings them into use. Drug induced comas are forcing the brain to rest so it has time to re-establish proper fluid regulation.

She needs a simpler form. Simple manual tasks to keep her occupied so her brain gets decent perfusion without cognitive strain are best. Concussions are managed, not treated, in most cases.

Do your best to not let her see your concern or frustration with her recovery/condition. A comment of "You look much better than last week" is the limit. Better yet, You look like you are slowly improving. I am told to expect improvements to be slow. No 'You look good today' because when you do not say it tomorrow, she will want to know why.

Read the TBI Survival guide at www.tbiguide.com