An acquired brain injury can be life-changing, affecting someone’s ability to perform basic tasks and even altering their personality. Family and friends may also be impacted, especially if they have to act as carers. It can be confusing trying to understand all the complexities of these injuries, so it may help to familiarise yourself with the basics first.
What is an acquired brain injury?
Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) are when the brain is damaged by something that happens during your lifetime, such as an accident or infection, as opposed to something present from birth, such as a genetic or congenital disorder. Often, they are divided into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic.
Traumatic brain injuries are caused by external forces, such as a fall, assault, or car crash. Non-traumatic brain injuries have internal causes, such as strokes, tumours, or meningitis. Attending mental health training courses Swansea may help you to better understand acquired brain injuries.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the damaged area of the brain. There are also different types of symptoms. Cognitive symptoms, such as problems with problem-solving, memory and concentration, affect how someone thinks, while emotional symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability, aggression, and personality changes, are more about how someone feels and behaves. There are also physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and poor balance.
How are they treated?
Treatment can also vary, as mental health training courses in Swansea can explain. In the immediate aftermath of the injury, emergency surgery may be required to relieve pressure or reconstruct the skull. Tumours may need to be removed. Sometimes, medication may be used to manage seizures or alleviate emotional symptoms. In the long term, a multidisciplinary approach may be necessary, potentially including physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or psychotherapy/counselling. Symptoms will sometimes fade with time; other times, they will be permanent.
ABIs are a complex area but it is important to try to understand them if you want to help somebody with an acquired brain injury.
