How Can a Brain Injury affect me?
As noted above, a brain injury can be acquired in many different ways. For this reason, it can affect anyone.
The effects of brain injury are unique to very individual, and this is because the brain is unique to each person, and the type or location of damage can vary.

 

Our Brain controls and guides many emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical functions of our body. Thus, the effects of a brain injury may have mild to severe effects on any one of these functions or combinations of these functions. Brain injury may have mild to significant effects on cognition, behaviour, emotions, and/or physical status:

The effects of a brain injury may depend on a variety of factors that may include but not be limited to severity of injury, the site(s) of injury, complications post injury, and potential to recover.

 

Brain injury can be a lifelong journey. The person who sustained the brain injury may never be the same physically, emotionally, and/or cognitively as prior to their injury. Often the person must develop a new sense of self. This will be a gradual process. It is important for the individual and family to set goals, focus on abilities, seek support as necessary, and remain positive throughout the recovery process.

 

Due to the "invisibility" of cognitive deficits, it may be more difficult for people to understand the complexity of their disability. These cognitive deficits may pose a challenge for returning to school, work, volunteering, previous responsibilities, relationships and/or previous roles. It is important to remember that a brain injury may also have a myriad of emotional and physical effects on family, friends, and co-workers. Thus it is also important for them to seek assistance, information and support in the community as well.