Brain injury
Common effects of brain injury
Brain injury sometimes causes people to experience changes in their physical abilities, the way they communicate and think, and their ability to control their emotions and behaviour.
It is important to understand that the number, and severity, of changes resulting from a brain injury will be different for each person and there are many management and coping strategies to help everyone with these.
Cognitive changes after brain injury
Cognition refers to our brain’s ability to think, understand and remember. Injury to the brain can affect these cognitive processes and based on a variety of factors, may become more noticeable with time.
Common cognitive effects may include:
- Difficulty concentrating and taking in new information
- Short term memory loss
- Problem solving and decision making
- Understanding and awareness of their brain injury
- Disinhibition (display behaviours that are considered rude or offensive, be impulsive and display poor
judgement of risk)
Lack of motivation and ability to get things started
Speech and communication changes after brain injury
A brain injury can affect communication in many different ways. An injured brain may lead to weak or uncoordinated muscles resulting in poor speech or a soft, hoarse voice or the language centre may be affected making it difficult to form sentences and understand what others are saying.
Common communication changes may include:
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment (poor eyesight)
- Dyspraxia (difficulty sounding out words)
- Dysphonia (difficulty controlling voice sounds)
Managing fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people with a brain injury. It can occur for no apparent reason and may be caused by physical or mental activity. It can intensify the other effects from a brain injury as well. It is also common in people caring for someone with a brain injury as they find themselves managing increased workloads and greater responsibilities. Fatigue is real, and it is important to know that there are ways to help you minimise and manage it.
