Complete memory loss can become an unfortunate reality for sufferers of severe brain injuries.

A 25-year-old professional cyclist from Broomfield, Colorado, experienced total memory loss after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a bicycle accident. While competing in a race last month, she crashed just before the finish line.

Emergency workers airlifted her to the University of Southern California Medical Center, where she spent two weeks in an intensive care unit. Doctors performed a CT scan and discovered she had suffered a brain bleed. Additional tests confirmed she had sustained a severe brain injury. Due to the extent of her injury, she was unable to recognize her parents and had no memory of her career as a professional cyclist.

Short term memory functions were also severely affected, and she cannot remember tasks performed 30 seconds ago. She was recently transferred to Craig Hospital, a Colorado institution known for its brain injury rehabilitation programs.

Amnesia is common after suffering a severe brain injury, and rehabilitation can require accident survivors to relearn basic tasks such as talking, walking, reading or even eating. The rehabilitation process will address these cognitive issues and people affected by severe brain injuries may be able to relearn these tasks.

Tips for Coping with Brain Injuries and Memory Loss

Family members can help loved ones with memory loss by creating notes, signs and cue cards to help their loved one recognize certain objects or people. In addition, family members can also set reminders for loved ones using free mobile phone apps, such as the Cozi Family Organizer or Evernote. Both apps allow families to create shopping lists, collaborate on notes and set reminders.

Remember, recovering from a brain injury can be a process that involves the entire family. Accident survivors need to depend on both loved ones and health care professionals to adapt to their circumstances.