What is Head Injury?

Head injury is damage to the Brain as a result of::

• A blow to the head resulting from a fall, a traffic accident, an accident at work, or a sports injury.
• Damage to the Brain tissue following a stroke, Brain surgery, or Brain tumour.
• A viral infection.
• Lack of oxygen to the Brain during a heart attack.

A head injury can also be referred to as an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Any of the following behavioural changes may be expected after a head injury:

• Agitation
• Emotional liability
• Being Irritable
• Lack of insight/denial of defects
• Verbal outbursts
• Paranoia
• Uncontrolled temper
• Depression
• Self-centredness
• Lack of motivation
• Impulsive behaviour
• Changes in sexual interest

Family members may experience one or more of these due to the fact that the results of head injury are extremely variable. However, it is important to be aware of all of the above.