This study aims to describe and explore the lived experience of mothers whose children, aged 0-16 years, have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mothers were interviewed between 2 and 10 years following the TBI. The study employed a qualitative method, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), following semi-structured interviews with 10 mothers. Validity measures included independent audit of the analysis. The analysis generated themes of ;changes to and loss of the past child', ;effects on mother's health', ;mother's process of coping and support', ;changed roles', ;effects on the whole family' and ;contact with services'. Discussion of the links between participants' accounts and grief and attachment theories is provided, with a view to informing assessment and rehabilitative practice with children and families. The clinical implications of mothers' descriptions for psychological intervention and service delivery are explored.

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