Psychosocial Considerations for Traumatic Brain Injury
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Original Editor - Wendy Walker
Top Contributors - Wendy Walker, Kim Jackson, Naomi O'Reilly, Tarina van der Stockt, Lucinda hampton, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Stacy Schiurring, Admin, Rachael Lowe and Tony Lowe
Introduction[edit | edit source]
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 one longitudinal study over 10 years reports that more than 50% are unable to return to their previous work[1]. The author also states "There were few changes in work status once 18 months to 2 years had elapsed since the injury, and the pattern of employment, once established, tended to remain stable"[1]. A large 2019 study examined the relationship of cognitive status to employment status at one year post moderate-severe TBI in 320 patients[2]. The authors report that fewer than 40% of participants were employed at 1-year follow-up, plus resumption of driving and injury severity were also related to return to work[2].
Effects on Intellect[edit | edit source]
Attention span & concentration
Memory & learning
Thought processing difficulties
Emotional Effects[edit | edit source]
Emotional lability/mood swings
Reduced empathy, increased egocentricity
Altered perception of self
Apathy
Personality Changes[edit | edit source]
Personality changes are a frequent sequelae to TBI. These changes have a large effect on the other members of the family, as well as on the wider social circle.
Effects on Family Relationships[edit | edit source]
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.
Effects on Wider Social Context[edit | edit source]
It is not uncommon for the emotional and intellectual sequelae of TBI to have huge impact on the place of the person within society. They may be unable to resume their usual work, leisure and study activities.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Johnson, R. How do People get back to work after severe Head Injury? A 10 year Follow-up Study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 1998, Volume 8, Issue 1
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hart T, Ketchum JM, O'Neil-Pirozzi TM, et al. 2019 Neurocognitive status and return to work after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Rehabil Psychol 2019 Aug.
