Psychosocial Considerations for Traumatic Brain Injury

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Original Editor - Wendy Walker

Top Contributors - Wendy Walker, Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Tarina van der Stockt, Stacy Schiurring, Admin, Rachael Lowe, Tony Lowe, Simisola Ajeyalemi and Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka  

Introduction

There are many cognitive impairments which occur following Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI]. More than 60% of people with moderate or severe TBI report cognitive and behavioural changes lasting more than 10 years post TBI, and more than 50% are unable to return to their previous work.

Effects on Intellect

Attention span & concentration

Memory & learning

Thought processing difficulties

Emotional Effects

Emotional lability/mood swings

Reduced empathy, increased egocentricity

Altered perception of self

Apathy

Effects on Family Relationships

The result of these emotional and cognitive changes has an enormous impact on the patient's family unit. Frequently roles of family members will alter significantly, and the family unit has to reorganise in order to compensate for the changes which the person with TBI shows in behaviour and cognitive ability.