Monthly Archives: February 2014

Introduction:
Craig has been researching and studying in this field for nearly twenty years stemming from a long-standing head injury. He hopes that by sharing that it will make some difference in those lives affected by brain injury.
There are many misconceptions and a great lack of understanding in this area, so here is some general information that I hope may be helpful to others.
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Head injury has become a common problem throughout the world. Many of the more severe injuries are related to road traffic and horse riding accidents. As an example, in Great Britain about 15 patients every hour are admitted to hospital for observation, because of head injury and every 2 hours one of these will die. Head injury is implicated in 1 of all deaths and 50 OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DEATHS. Head injury is particularly prevalent in the age group between 10 and 25. CONCUSSION has occurred, whenever patients cannot remember the actual blow that made them unconscious.
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THE NATURE OF HEAD INJURY IN AUSTRALIA

Some facts:
* In Australia more than 25000 people each year are permanently disabled by acquired brain injury. In the state of Western Australia it is 1500.
* Each year in Australia approximately 6000 people sustain traumatic head injury and will be totally dependent for the rest of their lives (in W.A the figure is 600).
* It is estimated that 70 of these are caused by road accidents, the balance through work, home and sports accidents or from stroke, encephalitis and other medical conditions.
* Head injury is the greatest cause of disability for people under age 40.
* It causes disabilities ranging from a permanent vegetative state, right through to virtual independence and community re-integration.
* It causes memory loss and other behavioural changes, such as a lack of concentration, an inability to plan, or to motivate oneself.
* It affects three times as many people, as paraplegia and quadraplegia combined.
* Despite being a widespread community tragedy, it has largely remained a SILENT EPIDEMIC, which is not politically or financially recognised by the state. In third world countries, like South Africa, there must be so many victims, who urgently require scarce resources, in competition with so many other pressing social and health needs.
* Carer-givers at home are often faced with the breakdown of the family unit, due to the 24 hour care needed by the person with head injury.

NB: Note that HEAD INJURY IS NOT THE SAME AS AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY Continue reading →