In support of Headway, the Brain Injury Association; Lyons Davidson are raising awareness of the effects of brain injury. The focus this week is the wide-ranging impact such an injury can have, not only on the individual concerned and their life plans but to their wider network of family and friends.
The charity, Headway, the Brain Injury Association, campaigns for greater awareness of the impact of brain injury. As part of raising awareness this week they will be sharing the results of their survey, researching how people feel their life stories have changed because of brain injury. Look out for the results of the survey throughout this week and Lyons Davidsons series of articles in support.
What are the effects of a brain injury?
Brain injuries can be caused in several ways; by trauma following an assault, road traffic collision or other accident or by way of a medical event such as a stroke, an aneurysm, a haemorrhage, a brain tumour or an infection.
Depending on the type, location and extent of injury, survivors may experience physical difficulties. The physical effects following a brain injury can cause problems with physical functioning, examples of which are paralysis, balance issues, fatigue, headaches, visual/hearing difficulties, issues with speech and poor bowel/bladder control.
Many survivors go on to make a good physical recovery with rehabilitation and for those that live with long term physical difficulties they too can benefit from appropriate treatment, supportive equipment, and adaptions along with lifestyle changes. A survivor may not be able to return to driving and physically may need the use of a wheelchair or support from carers to complete physical activities that they once did independently.
In addition to the physical effects of brain injury which are visible, there can often be effects that are more hidden. Brain injury survivors may experience cognitive issues such as difficulties with concentration, short term memory, executive function, and communication.
It is also common that brain injury can impact confidence and cause feelings of anxiety, anger, depression and irritability.
Changes to your life
A brain injury can impact many aspects of day-to-day life including relationships, employment, and practical life skills that many of us take for granted, such as the ability to plan, to manage our finances, to care for ourselves and others. Following brain injury these effects can be lifelong.
Relationships
For some brain injury survivors, the cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and physical changes after a brain injury can have an impact on current and future relationships with their partners, other family members and friends. Some may become withdrawn and socially isolated. They may find it difficult to seek support from their family and friends. Similarly, family and friends can feel helpless and frustrated if they are unable to understand how their loved one is feeling and how they can best help support them. Some relationships may become stronger; however, some may become strained and break down.
Employment
If a return to work after injury is possible, this provides a degree of normality and routine. However, depending on the extent of the injury and the career path taken, some may find that they can no longer do the job they once did. Working with employers to facilitate a return to work where possible is important. There may be reasonable adjustments/ adaptions that can be made to the workplace. Some brain injury survivors look at alternative roles or may retire early on the grounds of ill health. Every individual is different but there is a wealth of advice available to those seeking to return to work with a disability. Disability Employment Advisors (DEAs) can offer specific and helpful advice about returning to work with a disability.
Summary
Although, some difficulties experienced following a brain injury can improve with time and with the assistance of rehabilitation and access to appropriate support, everyone is different. The effects of a brain injury are wide ranging and can be distressing and difficult to adjust to in the longer term or for life. Sadly, a person’s quality of life and an individual’s future life plans can be impacted.
There is some very helpful guidance and help from organisations that provide support following a brain injury some of those organisations are listed below.
Headway, the Brain Injury Association helpline https://www.headway.org.uk/supporting-you/helpline/;
Disability Employment Advisor https://www.careerswithdisabilities.com/what-is-a-disability-employment-advisor/;
The Brain Charity https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk;
Brain & Spine Foundation https://www.brainandspine.org.uk;
Brain Injury Group https://www.braininjurygroup.co.uk/living-with-brain-injury/supporting-people-with-brain-injury/support-groups-charities/;
Contact details:
For further information, or to speak to a member of the Head Injury Team, please email [email protected]
Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Please be aware that the relevant law may have changed since the date of publication of this article.
By Hollie Reardon, Trainee Solicitor
