Effects of Brain Injury
- Memory Loss
- Impaired Reasoning Skills
- "One track thinking"
- Paralysis of limbs
- Vision Loss or Impairment
- Hearing Loss or Impairment
- Speech Impairment
- Seizures
- Emotional
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of Smell
- Headaches
- Ears Ringing
Although each individual brain injury is unique, the sequels resulting from a brain injury often have similarities.
Memory: Imagine not remembering names and faces of lifelong friends or turning on a burner with a pot and not remembering having done so. The frustration of having difficulty remembering ideas. Survivors may have difficulty organizing their thoughts into meaningful speech. It is quite difficult to rely on others to plan your day.
Emotional: effects vary as well as the person with a brain injury will see changes in emotional control. This may be related to the brain injury or to the frustrations that the person feels as he tries to adapt to his new self.
Depression: Realization of the effects of the injury combined with the increased dependence on others and/or a loss of control over one’s life may be cause for depression.
Social/Communication: The social consequences of a brain injury can be devastating. Many people report losing friends and having difficulty cultivating and maintaining new friendships. These difficulties may result from the person experiencing problems with communication. Imagine the frustration of having difficulty remembering ideas and communicating them coherently and logically during a conversation. Loudness of the speech and knowing when it is appropriate to speak are examples of social skills that we all take for granted. In addition, subtle social skills may have been lost.
Many persons with brain injuries will also have physical disabilities such as paralysis of the limbs or loss of vision and/or hearing. Some people experience varying degrees of speech impairment. Others may be able to speak, but due to cognitive impairments, have difficulty organizing their thoughts into meaningful speech. Some people lose their sense of smell, suffer from headaches or have to cope with having seizures. It is quite difficult to rely on others to plan your day.
It is important to note the strength and character of these people. Once again all persons are unique, with varying injuries, personalities and supports available. Although there may be tremendous amount of loss to cope with, many people with brain injuries remain determined, sensitive and positive to their approach to life.
