Brain injury can be defined as damage to living brain tissue and can be caused by an external force, or internal damage such as a haemorrhage or stroke.
There is often a period of changed consciousness which can be brief or can last months. Occasionally it may last indefinitely. The resulting damage to the brain can alter the individual's physical, mental and psychological capabilities.
Commonly reported problems include poor memory, personality change, mood swings, depression, epilepsy, inappropriate behaviour, speech problems, altered taste, smell and hearing, as well as physical disability if an accident was the cause of the injury.
Who gets brain injuries?
Brain injury is a common cause of serious disability in young adults, especially young men between the ages of 15 - 35 years. There is also an increased risk in the elderly, over the age of 75 years. It is estimated that there are 100-150 people per 100,000 population with brain injury related disability. This may be very mild, or may be severe, and cause many problems.
Brain injury does not reduce life expectancy.
Treatment of brain injury
Immediately after the injury there is often a need for acute intensive hospital treatment in order to save lives.
Once the patient is stable they are moved to rehabilitation, either in the hospital rehabilitation unit, or into the community for community rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation may take months or years, and progress can be very slow. Many never regain all their pre-injury abilities.
Specialist rehabilitation centres, such as Kemsley, offer a complete rehabilitation package, and can also address challenging behaviours in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
Help for Relatives
Please click here
to download a leaflet giving information and support for relatives of people who have had a brain injuryBrain Injury Website Links
The Case Management Society UK
The Brain Injury Social Work Group (BISWG)
The Royal Hospital for Neurodisability