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Brain injury is one of the fastest growing disabilities amongst young people in the UK. It can happen in seconds, but last a lifetime.
Whilst many will recover fully after a brain injury, for some they will not be able to return to work without rehabilitation. 
A brain injury affects everyone in a unique way. Problems can include:
*difficulties with attention and concentration - particularly in noisy and busy environments
*changes in memory - common problems are forgetting what has been said, difficulty in following a story or film, not being able to remember people's names and learning new skills
*relationship difficulties - these can result from physical disabilities, changes in personality or psychological effects of the injury.
*epilepsy - seizures are most common in the first week after a brain injury, however this does not mean that they can not happen at other times following injury
*difficulty with balance or co-ordination (ataxia), vertigo and dizziness
*dyspraxia-inability to follow instructions
*hemiparisis or hemiplegia-causes deficits in mobility on one side of the body
*dyspasia-disruption in language
*behaviour-problems/traits can be exacerbated after a brain injury. Personality changes can occur such as increased irritability, loss of confidence, impulsiveness. There may be a lack of motivation to do anything
*fatigue - this could be due to sleep disturbances or the amount of effort being exerted to carry out the simplest of everyday tasks
*anger - anger over what has happened and your resulting injury or increased irritability and inability to control your temper. Things that may not have bothered you before, may do now
Behavioural, emotional and cognitive problems are the most significant lasting effects of a brain injury. Even minor injuries can produce lasting and traumatic problems. As no two injuries result in the same set of disabilities, it is important that each person receives an individual program of care and rehabilitation which is available at Headway Dorset.
'Before my stroke, things were different. I can see now why some people with disabilities feel they have to put in double the effort'
'I used to work.Life is very different now. Headway is great to come and just be me'
'In short, the Headway team gives one a sense, that all is not lost, and there is life after a head injury'
A useful book for further information is 'Head Injury - A Practical Guide' by Trevor Powell, published by Winslow Press. Alternatively, it can be ordered through Headway Dorset.
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