Understanding the impact of brain injuries: types, causes, and rehabilitation strategies

Types of brain injuries and causes

A brain injury occurs when a blow or trauma to the head causes significant brain damage. There are different causes of brain injury that can range in severity from mild to severe. Brain injuries are divided into two categories: traumatic and acquired. A traumatic injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that is caused by trauma to the head. This can be by anything, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, assault, or a sports injury. An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury that occurred at or since birth. The brain can be injured as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumour, poisoning, infection and disease, or alcohol and drug abuse.

Impact of brain injury

A brain injury can impact an individual’s physical, behavioural, psychological and cognitive functions. The individual may experience mobility problems, behavioural and emotional changes and cognitive impairments, which can affect their daily life.

Physical

After a brain injury, brain function can be temporarily impaired, sometimes referred to as a concussion. Whilst most people can make a good physical recovery, some can experience problems for months or even years after a brain injury. Common physical effects of brain injury are mobility problems, spasticity, weakness or paralysis, sensory impairment, fatigue, epilepsy, and difficulties with speech.

Behavioural

Brain injuries can have a significant effect on behaviour. This stems from damage to areas of the brain that regulate emotions and impulses, including anger, impulsive behaviour, self-centeredness, impaired awareness and even violence.

Psychological

A brain injury can alter the way people feel or express emotions. It is common for individuals who have suffered a brain injury to encounter feelings of depression or other emotional challenges. Feeling sad is a normal response to the changes an individual faces after a Traumatic Brain Injury however prolonged feelings of sadness can be a key sign of depression. Depression is a common problem and can be caused by factors such as physical changes in the brain or emotional response to injury.

The individual may also experience anxiety after a Traumatic Brain Injury. For many, situations that require a lot of attention and information processing, such as crowded environments, heavy traffic, and noisy children, can make the individual feel anxious.

Rehabilitation strategies

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery for the individual who has sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury. Various healthcare teams, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists, will work closely together to provide a comprehensive care plan, personalised to the individual. Families will also play an important part in the care and rehabilitation of their loved ones.

Neurological physiotherapy

This is crucial following a Traumatic Brain Injury, in order to achieve the maximum potential recovery. Neuro-physiotherapy can help with restoring muscle strength and joint stability, improve balance, reduce muscle spasms and restore independence and quality of life. Families can assist in providing emotional support, encouragement and motivation to the individual undergoing rehabilitation. They can also assist with any exercises or activities that are recommended by the therapist.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is an effective form of rehabilitation as it can help the individual living with a brain injury to regain the physical skills they need to participate in work, school and daily activities. Families can help the individual to adapt their home and work environments to accommodate any physical limitations they may have.

Speech and language therapy

The two main speech disorders that can arise from a brain injury are dysarthria and dyspraxia of speech. A speech and language therapist can support people who may experience communication, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties that can arise from their brain injury. The duration of speech and language intervention will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury. Families can play a crucial role in helping their loved ones to practice speech exercises and providing communication support.

Neuro-psychology

A neuropsychologist studies the relationship between the brain and behaviour. They can provide treatment recommendations for behavioural, emotional, and cognitive problems that arise with a brain injury. Families can provide information about their loved one’s behaviour and cognitive functioning, which can assist the neuropsychologist in developing a treatment plan. They can also offer support and encouragement throughout the treatment process.

Dietician

A dietician will be involved in the individual’s care if the individual with a brain injury needs to be tube-fed. A dietician can also help in situations such as fatigue, weight management, gut problems, tissue viability, dysphagia and loss of smell or taste. In some situations, families can provide support in managing their loved one’s diet, and helping them to adhere to any dietary restrictions that may be necessary. If their loved one requires PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy) feeding, families can work with healthcare professionals to develop a feeding plan that meets the individual’s nutritional needs and preferences.

Wheelchair service

A Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to physical difficulties that require intense rehabilitative care. Some people will require a wheelchair service if their brain injury has led to them losing the ability to walk and position themselves. Families can help their loved one with the adjustment to using a wheelchair and assist with transportation to appointments.

How Cavendish Homecare can help

We recognise the complex and challenging nature of brain injuries and the impact they have on the invididual and their families. Our team of experienced and highly trained nurses and carers work together with multi-disciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive care plan package personalised to each individual’s needs. We understand that recovery is a long and ongoing process, and we provide support to the client and their families throughout the rehabilitation journey. To understand more about how our services can help you, contact us and speak with a nurse manager that can guide you through the process to achieve care at home for your family or friend after a brain injury.