The brain is the control centre for everything we think feel and do. It is a somewhat fragile structure encased in a hard shell (the skull) so it is not surprising that any injury to the head can result in brain damage. Any damage to the brain can have profound and devastating effects on a person’s ability to manage their life.
Brain injury is often known as the ‘hidden disability’ because the problems which arise from an injury to the brain are not always obvious to another person. Other people can see and often understand the limitations caused by a physical disability, but difficulties with thinking skills and behavioural changes are often misunderstood.
Some of the most common difficulties experienced following a brain injury are:
lack of insight | Loss of physical sensations |
Personality changes | Poor concentration |
Inappropriate behaviour | Lack of initiative |
Poor memory | Fatigue |
Slow or slurred speech | Physical disabilities |
Overly talkative | Slowed responses |
Poor perception, recognition and judgement | |
Inability to understand and communicate | |
Poor planning and problem solving skills | |
Understandably if you experience one or more of the above difficulties, it will affect how you manage your day-today life. Even mild brain injury can change your ability to work and your lifestyle.