F A Q s                                                                        

What is a brain injury?

Brain injuries are sustained in two ways:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury can be sustained by any activity that causes the head to be seriously knocked, causing injury to the brain. For example, a motorcar accident, a sports injury etc.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An acquired brain injury is the result of other influences to the brain apart from physical pressure or force. For example, a stroke, hypoxia, a tumour etc.

What are some possible symptoms of a brain injury?

 

Behavioural Irritability/frustration Poor impulse control Talking more Rushing into things Suspicion Difficulty in social situations Don't think of others Increased or decreased sex drive Sleep changes Outbursts Impulsive Self-centred Time management difficulties

Cognitive Memory Loss - short term Concentration difficulties Trouble solving problems Inflexibility Difficulty in understanding - comprehension Learning difficulties Sequencing difficulties Perceptual problems Processing, planning and organising difficulties

Physical Fatigue / Endurance problems Headaches Speech difficulties Movement difficulties Hearing problems Visual difficulties Sensory-taste/smell/touch Coordination problems Decrease in fitness Light sensitivity Noise sensitivity Depression Lack of motivation

What are some of the ways we can prevent head injuries?

Wear a safety belt

Every time you drive or ride in a car, insist that everyone wears a safety belt. Never drink and drive. Airbags also increase safety.

Be careful around your home

Use care with ladders and on stairs. Watch out for other hazards, such as open cabinet doors overhead.

Wear a helmet

Whenever you are on a motorcycle, bicycle or horse, or if you play any sport that involves a high risk of head injury wear a safety approved helmet.

Watch children carefully

Be especially careful when they are in highchairs, strollers or places where they could fall. Use restraining belts whenever possible.

Never shake a child

Shaking anyone can cause brain damage.

Don't dive into unfamiliar water

Always know how deep water is before you dive or slide

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