Brain Injury
A Complex Disability
For many people after a brain injury, there appear to be no lasting effects from their injury. The effects of cognitive, executive and psychological deficits are, unlike those of a physical disability, often not visible. This ‘invisible’ disability confounds many people because often they lack the relevant knowledge and experience. Headway seeks to address this with its information services, campaigns and liaison with professionals at the local level. Possible Long Term Effects Some of the long term effects of a brain injury can be:
- Changes in personality and behaviour
- Poor concentration
- Irritability and disinhibition
- Difficulties with memory and attention
- Epilepsy
- Poor planning, organisational and problem-solving skills
- Impaired mobility
- Inability to handle money
- Sensory problems
- Altered perception of self and world around them
- Inability to understand and communicate
- Often a lack of awareness of what has changed
- Lack of initiative and motivation
- Emotional difficulties, such as depression and anxiety
Lifelong Consequences
These changes will have long term consequences for employability, the ability to live independently, maintain stable social and personal relationships, and for their overall quality of life. There can be a loss of self-esteem, isolation and often a sense of hopelessness. However, with the right sort of help and support, many people will be capable of regaining a meaningful and purposeful, but different, life.
