Headway Thames Valley - The brain injury association



Navigation: Home Headway House The Team The Staff Professional Advisors Causes of Brain Injury About Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programmes Family & Carer Support Forthcoming Events Headway Projects Fundraising Donations Volunteering Photos Archive News Personal Experiences Useful Links Publications Contact Us	ABOUT BRAIN INJURY Brain injury is one of the fastest growing disabilities amongst young people in the UK. It can happen in seconds but the effects last a lifetime. Whilst many people will recover fully after a brain injury, some will not be able to return to work without rehabilitation and support. A brain injury affects each person in a unique way. Problems can include: Difficulties with attention and concentration – particularly in noisy and busy environments Changes in memory – common problems are forgetting what has been said, difficulty in following a story or film, not being able to remember people’s names and learning new skills Relationship difficulties – these can result from physical disabilities, changes in personality or psychological effects of the injury Epilepsy – seizures are most common in the first week after a brain injury. However, this does not mean that they can not happen at other times following injury Difficulty with balance or co-ordination (ataxia), vertigo and dizziness Dyspaxia – inability to follow instructions Hemiparisis or hemiplegia – causes deficits in mobility on one side of the body Dysphasia – disruption in language Behaviour problems/traits can be exacerbated after a brain injury. Personality changes can occur such as increased irritability, loss of confidence or impulsiveness. There may be a lack of motivation to do anything Fatigue – this could be due to sleep disturbances or the amount of effort being exerted to carry out the simplest of everyday tasks Anger – anger over what has happened and your resulting injury or increased irritability and inability to control your temper. Things that may not have bothered you before, may do now Behavioural, emotional and cognitive problems are the most significant lasting effects of brain injury. Even minor injuries can produce lasting and traumatic problems. As no two injuries result in the same set of disabilities it is important that each person receives an individual programme of care and rehabilitation which is available at Headway Thames Valley. “Before my stroke, things were different. I can see now why some people with disabilities feel they have to put in double the effort” “I used to work. Life is very different now. Headway is great to come and just be me” “In short, the Headway team gives one a sense that all is not lost and there is life after a head injury” A useful book for further information is ‘Head Injury – A Practical Guide’ by Trevor Powell, published by Winslow Press. Alternatively, it can be ordered through Headway Thames Valley.