Authors:

WILSON, B.A., & Evans, J.J.

Reference:

Year of publication:

1998

CBU number:

3744

Abstract:

Any kind of brain injury, including head injuries from road traffic accidents, assaults and falls can result in a variety of problems. In terms of making an effective return to work, study or ant kind of productive meaningful activity, however, it is often the cognitive and emotional rather than physical problems that cause the greatest handicap. Cognitive problems are the major obstacles to independent living, causing difficulty for clients, for families, for personal injury lawyers and for judges. Yet cognitive problems may not be easy to see or recognise. A broken leg is easy to see. An impaired memory is not immediately obvious.In this article we discuss the nature of such problems and highlight the need for rehabilitation services to address such problems. We review the evidence for the effectiveness of such rehabilitation. An example of one rehabilitation programme which has a clear focus on cognitive and emotional as well as physical problems after brain injury is described.