Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when an external force injures the brain after birth, and can range from mild, to severe or profound.

Disabilities can occur as a result of damage to the brain, affecting a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional and independent functioning.

  • Moderate-to-severe TBIs are most commonly acquired in motor vehicle crashes, with other causes including falls, bicycle accidents, assaults and sports injuries.
  • A higher percentage of mild TBIs are caused by sports injuries.
  • A TBI typically affects the way that a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

The outcome of acquired brain injury depends on the cause of the injury and on the location, severity, and extent of neurological damage. Common issues associated with a TBI include:

  • Seizures, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia
  • Headaches, dizziness, pain, and sleep disturbances
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills, talking, swallowing, eating, and drinking
  • Cognitive impairment impacting memory, language, reading and writing
  • Personality and behavioural changes including irritability, impatience, and socialising
  • Motor deficits which may impact the person’s ability to walk, including paralysis, muscle stiffness, and uncontrolled movements.

 

References:
www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au
www.racgp.org.au

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Give us a call on 1800 275 753 to discuss your support needs with our Allied Health team, or send an online enquiry and we'll be in touch.

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How can CPL help?

Allied Health therapies

CPL's Allied Health team can support people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury to aid recovery and help them reach their goals. This can include speech, physical and occupational therapies.

Support at home 

CPL can support you with day-to-day tasks, depending on your needs, from getting ready for school, university or work, right through to mealtime assistance and medication.

Independent living

CPL provides 24/7 Supported Independent Living services, and has a number of vacancies in accessible homes.

Employment and Training opportunities

There are a range of disability employment and training pathways to help people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury to re-enter or join the workforce.