The invitation/request to go to the doctor appointment opens a door. First, she likely is in need of somebody to help her communicate properly with the doctor. Most doctor appointments are just verbal. She may be asked a question and not give a complete answer. You may have more to add to her answer. She may not remember what the doctor said so you can take notes. She cannot take notes for herself. She will miss too much.

This can be a qualifier for a deeper relationship. A comment, "I really want to be there for you." could open some dialogue. How she introduces you to the doctor may be indicative.

Do not go researching TBI and try to recognize symptoms. That will backfire. It is better to help her with her struggles then consider whether that struggle is TBI related. The problem in doing research is simple. With this knowledge, you become like the guy with a hammer in his hand. Everything starts to look like a nail. We have plenty of people who post here on NT who have this big list they found in their research. They think they have every symptom in the book when in reality, they may have a few and the others are 'power of suggestion' or the result of looking for a specific symptom.

There is ONE place for you to do your research but it will allow you to both work through it together. Download and print out Dr Glen Johnson's TBI Survival Guide at Traumatic Brain Injury It is a Word document with 85 pages so be prepared. You can use the Highlight function in MS Word to read and highlight rather than print it out. Many find it is easier to print and read.

You can give her a copy to read and highlight. Then, you can read her comments with her. You could read and highlight a copy yourself then compare notes. But, if you read and highlight your copy, be very careful. Maybe, "What do you think about his comments on page x?" but not, I think you manifest the symptoms he mentions on page x. Try to be responsive, not intrusive. There may be symptoms she does not want to address right now.

Most TBI symptoms have a myriad of ways we can develop work-aounds and accommodations. Work arounds are known to be the best way people with TBI limits move forward. Trying to use therapies to improve functions (except motor functions) tends to be stress inducing.

If there is a TBI support group you can attend, that can be helpful. Some areas have TBI support groups and stroke support groups. There is a big overlap in how they each impact our lives.