Car accidents, interpersonal violence, falls and workplace injuries are among the most common causes of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in South Africa.
TBI may be as simple as a concussion with brief loss of consciousness or as extensive as a massive blow to the head leading to coma and potentially lifelong neurological consequences and disability.
Head injuries can happen to anyone, changing lives unbelievably quickly and profoundly. Head injuries vary widely in their severity and in their effects on individual and family functioning.
A broad spectrum of support is often needed to help the person and their family adjust to a new way of life and optimise recovery as far as possible.
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“The brain is a wonderous and delicate organ that controls and coordinates our functioning. An injury to the brain can impact not only the person’s physical functioning but their understanding, actions, emotions and ability to express themselves,” said Prof André Mochan, a neurologist who practises at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, ahead of World Head Injury Awareness Day on Saturday.
Peta-Lyn Foot, an occupational therapist at Akeso Randburg – Crescent Clinic, added: “Depending on the degree and extent of injury and which part of the brain is affected, the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial effects of a head injury can vary considerably and are not always apparent immediately.”
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