Effects of brain injury What are the effects of brain injury?
The brain is responsible for our every thought, feeling and action, and as such, the effects of brain injury can be many and varied - depending on the type, location and extent of the injury.
Many of the effects of brain injury are ‘hidden’ i.e., they cannot be seen and are, therefore, not easily recognised or understood by others. For these reasons, brain injury is often called a ‘hidden disability’.
The effects of brain injury can further impact relationships, employment, and practical skills such as driving or activities of daily living (washing, dressing, preparing a meal etc).
No two experiences of brain injury are the same; however, some effects of brain injury are more common than others, such as memory problems and fatigue. Separate pages of our website are available to provide detailed information on some of the more common effects of brain injury.
Living with the effects of brain injury can cause many people to feel like they are ‘living life in the slow lane’ and this can be upsetting or difficult to adjust to. Quality of life or sense of identity can be affected, and many people report feeling like a different person after their injury.
The effects of brain injury can sometimes improve over time, especially with rehabilitation and access to appropriate support. However, some effects may be lifelong and require adjustments or equipment to cope.
Common effects of brain injury
The effects of brain injury are often grouped into physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural effects.
Explore the sections below to find out more about the common effects of brain injury
Physical effects of brain injury
Most people make an excellent physical recovery after a brain injury, but ongoing physical problems can have a real impact on daily life.
Find out moreCognitive effects of brain injury
The cognitive effects of a brain injury include issues with speed of thought, memory, understanding, concentration, solving problems, using language and more.
Find out moreEmotional effects of brain injury
Everyone who has had a brain injury can be left with some changes in emotional reaction. These can be some of the most difficult for the individual concerned and their family to deal with.
Find out moreBehavioural effects of brain injury
Behavioural changes after brain injury are many and varied. Get more information on these common effects of brain injury.
Find out moreComa and reduced awareness states
Information about coma, as well as other reduced awareness states such as minimally conscious state, vegetative state and locked-in syndrome.
Find out moreCommunication problems
Communication problems after brain injury are very common. This section goes into detail about some of the communication issues that may arise after brain injury.
Find out moreExecutive dysfunction
Executive dysfunction is a term for the range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties which often occur after injury to the frontal lobes of the brain.
Find out moreFatigue
For many people after brain injury, fatigue may feel like overwhelming tiredness, which makes them unable to complete normal activities of daily living.
Find out moreHormonal imbalances
Brain injury may occasionally cause damage to the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland, which can lead to a range of symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances.
Find out morePost-traumatic amnesia
Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) is the time after a period of unconsciousness when the injured person is conscious and awake, but is behaving or talking in a bizarre or uncharacteristic manner.
Find out more
