Follow us: hu Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244 Donate Home About brain injury Individuals Effects of brain injury Effects of brain injury Even after a minor head injury, brain function can be temporarily impaired and this is sometimes referred to as concussion. This can lead to difficulties such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, irritability and memory problems. While most people are symptom-free within two weeks, some can experience problems for months or even years after a minor head injury. The more severe the brain injury, the more pronounced the long-term effects are likely to be. Survivors of more severe brain injury are likely to have complex long-term problems affecting their personality, their relationships and their ability to lead an independent life. Even with good rehabilitation, support and help in the community, survivors and their families are likely to face uncertain and challenging futures. Browse this section to find out more about the effects of brain injury. You can also download our Effects of brain injury and how to help (PDF) booklet in the related resources section. Behavioural effects Behavioural changes after brain injury are many and varied. Get more information on these common effects of brain injury. Find out more Cognitive effects The cognitive effects of a brain injury include issues with speed of thought, memory, understanding, concentration, solving problems, using language and more. Find out more Coma 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 more Communication 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 more Executive 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 more Emotional effects 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 more Fatigue 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 more Hormonal 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 more Physical effects 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 more Post-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 Relationships after brain injury Find out more Sex and sexuality Find out more Brain Injury Identity Card Our Brain Injury Identity Card provides survivors with added confidence in social situations, while helping them to get the right support if they come into contact with the criminal justice system. Find out more Supporting you From local groups or branches, our Emergency Fund, Brain Injury Identity Card, helpline and much more, find out how Headway can support you after brain injury. Find out more In your area Find brain injury support in your area by searching our directory of local Headway groups and branches, specialist solicitors, approved care providers and charity shops. Find out more Brain injury and me Find out more 10 ways to cope with depression after brain injury Find out more Related resources The effects of brain injury and how to help Friends of Headway Individual membership Join/Renew Contact Us t: 0115 924 0800 e: enquiries@headway.org.uk Help us improve life after brain injury. Donate Improving life after brain injury 0808 800 2244 Call our free helpline 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email helpline@headway.org.uk Join our online Community 27k Likes 25k Followers 3k Subscribers Privacy policy Cookies Terms & Conditions Accessibility Contact Us Resource centre Find a Headway Approved care providers Charity shops Fundraising comments, feedback and complaints Vacancies Join our mailing list Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). 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