Brain injury comes in many different forms. And so there isn’t a’one size fits all’ solution.
It presents in many different forms due to multiple factors, from the severity of the injury and the part of the brain damaged to the uniqueness of the individual involved.
It’s also not always obvious that someone has suffered a brain injury. Telltale signs could include memory loss, changes in behaviour, headaches, seizures, loss of motor functions or changes in vision, hearing or smell. But these signs may be subtle and not easily recognised if physical appearance is unchanged. Each brain injury is a very personal experience.
However, there are sometimes common traits across the different age groups that can help to guide rehabilitation.
Children’s brains are still developing and this can help with recovery, but they may also be more susceptible to long-term challenges. They are still learning some of the core life skills adults have already developed. They don’t have these in-built memories to draw on during rehabilitation.
In comparison to adults, occupational therapy for children with brain injury may be more play-based and will incorporate developmental milestones. The focus leans towards promoting independence and participation, rather than on specific tasks or job skills. Age-appropriate activities are used with children to keep them motivated and engaged in the therapy.
Adults have already developed core life skills, but they may have more difficulty with recovery due to age-related changes in the brain. Cognitive functions such as memory and processing speed do deteriorate with age, as does the brain’s ability to recover from the physical injury.
Our adult rehabilitation programmes focus on the things that matter most to the client. The Occupational Therapist may identify a number of challenges to address in the home, at work or in social settings, but it is the client who decides which of these take priority.
Adults have already experienced independence, and when a brain injury takes this away the impact on mental health can be profound. As OTs it’s our job to offer guidance and advice to the client, but it’s equally important to make sure they feel in control of the process.
Just like each brain injury is a personal experience, so is the path of recovery. It must constantly evolve and alter direction according to the client’s changing needs, ability and aspirations.
Read more about how KW Therapy support adults and children suffering from brain injury.
For further information and support visit the Headway or Child Brain Injury Trust websites and connect with your local support group.