2.2 Explain the long-term effects of acquired brain injury to include: • physical • functional • cognitive • behavioural • emotional

This. guide will help you answer2.2 Explain the long-term effects of acquired brain injury to include: • physical • functional • cognitive • behavioural • emotional.

Physical Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any brain damage that occurs after birth. It covers injuries from trauma, stroke, tumour, infection, and lack of oxygen. The physical effects can differ, depending on which part of the brain is injured and how severe the injury is. Some people see improvement over time, but many physical effects last for years or for life.

Common Physical Effects

Physical effects can impact a person’s movement, senses, and health. Some of the most frequent issues after ABI are:

• Weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body, making everyday tasks like lifting objects, walking, or dressing challenging.
• Problems with balance and coordination which may increase the risk of falls.
• Loss of sensation, often described as numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or other body areas.
• Muscle stiffness or spasticity, where muscles are tight and movement is limited.
• Fatigue that is far worse than normal tiredness, making it hard to stay active for long.
• Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, meaning risk of choking or chest infections is higher.
• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of part of the visual field.
• Persistent headaches or migraines.

People may need to use walking aids or wheelchairs and might require help with personal care tasks.

Secondary Physical Complications

Physical effects can bring about more health risks:

• Increased chance of pressure sores from sitting or lying down for long periods.
• Increased risk of blood clots due to reduced movement.
• Greater likelihood of contractures (joints becoming stuck in one position).
• Raised risk of infections from difficulties with swallowing or urinary/bowel care.

Therapists might help by recommending exercises, equipment, and changes to the living environment.

Functional Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

Functional abilities refer to the skills and activities a person completes each day. ABI can change what a person manages independently. Some difficulties last a short time, but many persist.

Changes in Daily Activity

Effects can include:

• Needing help with washing, dressing, and eating.
• Difficulty managing continence (controlling bladder and bowels).
• Trouble using hands for fine tasks, so things like writing, cooking, or buttoning shirts become hard.
• Struggling with walking or mobility, limiting independence outside the home.
• Delays or challenges with speech, making communication with others hard.
• Needing aids for mobility, personal care, or to assist with communication.

Changes to memory, attention, or vision can further limit everyday skills.

Impact on Independence

Many people need to rely on family, friends, or paid carers to support them. They might not be able to:

• Drive a car safely
• Go shopping alone
• Prepare meals without supervision

Loss of independence can be frustrating and affect self-esteem.

Ability to Work or Study

ABI can prevent a person returning to former work or education. Functional changes might mean:

• Changing job roles or work patterns, often reducing hours or needing lighter duties.
• Attending specialist colleges rather than mainstream education.
• Accessing support schemes for employment or training.

Cognitive Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

Cognition means the brain’s thinking processes. This covers memory, learning, attention, planning, judgement, reasoning, language, and problem-solving. Injuries in the brain can disrupt these functions, often in several areas at once.

Memory Problems

Memory is often affected after ABI. People may have:

• Short-term memory loss, meaning they forget recent conversations or events.
• Trouble remembering to attend appointments or take medication.
• Forgetting instructions, names, or where personal items are placed.
• Needing to use reminders, notebooks, or alarms.

Poor Attention and Concentration

Sustaining attention is often difficult. Someone with an ABI might:

• Get easily distracted by sounds, sights, or activities.
• Lose track of conversations or tasks.
• Struggle to focus on reading or watching television.

Reduced concentration makes it hard to complete tasks and follow multi-step instructions.

Problems with Planning and Organisation

Ability to organise tasks can drop. Common issues include:

• Difficulty starting or finishing a job.
• Not knowing how to break tasks into steps.
• Losing track of time, leading to late arrivals or missed deadlines.
• Struggling to manage money or household routines.

Being unable to plan and organise can affect work, studies, and personal life.

Problems with Reasoning and Judgement

An injured brain can make it hard to judge risks or consequences. Examples are:

• Acting without thinking things through.
• Struggling with simple decision-making, like what to wear or what to eat.
• Being over-trusting or not aware of danger.

Cognitive problems may require ongoing support and close supervision, especially for safety.

Language and Communication Difficulties

People might experience:

• Aphasia, which means difficulty finding the right words or understanding others.
• Trouble understanding written material or expressing themselves clearly.
• Difficulty following conversations or reading social cues.

Therapists can support people with tailored exercises, communication aids, and lots of practice.

Behavioural Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

Changes in behaviour are common after ABI. These changes don’t happen by choice or out of bad intentions, but because the brain injury disrupts how a person controls behaviour.

Changes Seen After Brain Injury

Some changes could include:

• Loss of inhibition, meaning people may act in ways they would previously avoid, such as making rude comments or behaving impulsively.
• Increased irritability, leading to losing temper more often or at minor things.
• Aggression or getting upset for little reason, sometimes leading to shouting, swearing, or even physical outbursts.
• Lack of motivation, sometimes called ‘apathy’, making it hard to start or finish tasks.
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or being unable to relax.
• Risk-taking or poor judgement about safety, such as going out without supervision.

Behavioural changes can upset relationships with family and friends. People might struggle to keep jobs or friendships. There can be conflict or social isolation if others do not understand the change in behaviour.

Strategies to Help Behavioural Changes

• Structured routines and clear boundaries.
• Behaviour support plans.
• Regular feedback or reminders about what is appropriate.

Friends, family, and support staff may need education to respond calmly and offer encouragement, not criticism.

Emotional Effects of Acquired Brain Injury

The emotional impact of ABI is often severe and lasts for years. Changes are the result of both the physical injury and the emotional reaction to changed life circumstances.

Emotional Changes Experienced

Common emotional effects include:

• Depression, which is persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, and feeling hopeless.
• Anxiety, with constant worry, panic attacks, or a sense of dread.
• Mood swings, where emotions change very quickly without clear reason.
• Emotional lability, which means laughing or crying unexpectedly or with little cause.
• Frustration or anger, especially when struggling to complete tasks or communicate.
• Low self-esteem due to changes in independence or ability.
• Loss of confidence in social or work settings.

Emotional adjustment is often made more difficult by a reduction in social contacts or lack of understanding from those around the individual.

Why Emotional Effects Occur

These changes can be caused by:

• Direct injury to emotional control centres in the brain.
• Frustration with new limitations and loss of previous lifestyle.
• Social isolation if friends withdraw or avoid contact.

Mental health support may help, through talking therapies, medication, or support groups.

Impact on Family and Support Networks

ABI does not just affect the injured person. It often means carers and families adjust routines, give up work, or seek outside support. There can be significant strain on relationships and financial hardship. Understanding, patience, and regular breaks for carers can make a big difference.

Support services can include:

• Rehabilitation therapists (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists)
• Counselling for individuals and families
• Peer support groups or charities

Final Thoughts

Living with an acquired brain injury changes many parts of life. The effects can be wide-ranging, affecting the body, mind, emotions, and ability to take part in social or work life. Timely assessment and tailored support help people manage and adapt to long-term effects.

Respect, patience, and good communication are needed from everyone around the person affected. Support staff and health care workers play a key part in spotting difficulties and working together with the person and family. This approach helps people get the best possible quality of life, no matter the challenges presented by ABI.