An Introduction to Coping with Brain Injury

Just the facts for coping with the after-effects of a brain injury

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) usually refers to people who have suffered a head injury or stroke but also includes those who have had brain tumours, an anoxic injury (where the brain has been starved of oxygen) or brain illnesses like encephalitis and meningitis. After an ABI, the brain undergoes a very slow healing process before improvements slow down and eventually plateau. This is different from other forms of brain conditions where the journey is more of a deteriorating one over time.

ABI is commonly called 'a hidden disability' as it can easily be missed or misunderstood by others. It can also significantly affect those close to the person and is therefore frequently called 'a family affair' too. As the issues are often hidden, complicated, and affect patients and families alike, An Introduction to Coping with Brain Injury can act as a roadmap to help you and your loved ones navigate through the complex and often unexpected challenges that can arise following a brain injury, using:

• Cognitive rehabilitation approaches to understand and manage changes in our thinking abilities
• Cognitive behavioural approaches to address ways in which our thoughts, feelings, actions, and physical reactions relate to each other