Brain injury is the largest cause of acquired disability in the working-age population.
No two brain injuries are the same and can completely change the lives of those living with a brain injury, their families and friends. The injury can affect physical, cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning.
What is an acquired brain injury
An ABI is an injury caused to the brain since birth. There are many possible causes of this.
Traumatic Brain Injury
This is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head). There are many possible causes including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Assaults
- Falls
- Accidents at home or work
Other forms of Acquired Brain Injury.
There are many possible causes including:
- Stroke
- Brain Haemorrhage
- Tumour
- Infection
The impact of each ABI is unique, even seemingly subtle problems can completely change the lives of people with a brain injury and their loved ones.
Effects of brain injury
Brain injury often results in long term difficulties with physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning. The effects can be varied.
Examples of physical difficulties:
- One sided weakness
- Reduced vision
- Poor mobility
- Loss of Balance
- Extreme tiredness
Examples of cognitive challenges:
- Memory
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving and planning
- Information processing
- Concentration
Examples of emotional/behavioural challenges:
- Inability to show emotions/affection
- Laughing/crying inappropriately
- Inappropriate behaviour.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression and violence
- Loss of impulse control
- Mood swings
- Lack of motivation
- Lethargy
It can be very hard for individuals and their families to cope with injuries like these. It can directly impact on their day-to-day tasks, leisure activities and work/education. They may also face financial challenges resulting from loss of employment and their own caring responsibilities.
Please get in touch with us if you are concerned about yourself or a family member or a friend.
For further information about the impact of brain injury please go to the website of Headway – the brain injury association
