Acquired brain injury
Funding research into devastating neurological conditions
Who we are?
Brain Research UK is the leading dedicated funder of neurological research in the UK.
We fund the best science to achieve the greatest impact for people affected by neurological conditions, to help them live better, longer.
Every year we receive more and more funding
applications from promising young researchers
and research institutes across the UK.
The impact made in the last 50 years
In the years since we were founded in 1971, we have achieved so much.
We transformed our researchers’ ability to study the brain through technological advances including improved neuroimaging facilities and state of the art scanners.
We have invested over £50 million into neurological conditions to enable the best research.
Our researchers have made incredible breakthroughs: they have revealed genes and mechanisms underlying the early stages of brain tumour development which have led to new treatment possibilities; and identified protein clumping in motor neurones as a key feature of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) leading to the development of a new drug which has been shown to slow down functional decline in clinical trials.
The challenges we face
One of the biggest challenges we face is that despite one in six of us having a neurological condition, research into the brain remains woefully under-funded.
Brain tumours, for example, kill more people under 40 than any other cancer and more children in the UK than any other disease.
As well as investing vital funds in research into brain tumours, we are prioritising research into brain and spinal cord injury and headache, two areas where the high levels of patient need are unmatched by current levels of research investment.
By prioritising research in these three disease areas we are striving to drive progress in treatment for the benefit of the many thousands of people whose lives are affected. We are also funding research to help understand how to repair the brain and spinal cord. This may be through behavioural interventions that stimulate recovery, or medical interventions, or a combination of both.
Brain and spinal cord injuries may be traumatic - caused by an external injury to the head or spine, or non-traumatic - caused by an internal event such as a stroke.
The degree of impairment varies enormously but many people are left severely disabled and need long-term rehabilitation to maximise function, independence and quality of life.
How you can help
There are many ways you could help us, from raising awareness of the prevalence of neuro- logical conditions to participating in or organising fundraising events. Please visit our website brainresearchuk.org.uk to find out more about our work and how you can support us.
New look community rehabilitation service to provide support to children
with acquired brain injury
The Children’s Trust has transformed the way in which it delivers community brain injury rehabilitation.
The newly formed, innovative Community Rehabilitation Service offers online information and resources, as well as support to children, young people and families through a nation-wide virtual acquired brain injury team.
In addition, the team offers an intensive, hands-on therapy service to children and young people living in the south-east, alongside virtual hybrid packages of support for those further afield.
The new look Community Rehabilitation Service will provide a range of support across a tiered model, with increasing levels of support based on the level of need and identified goals.
This model is illustrated in the graph opposite. Bumps Happen offers parents, families and professionals information and advice to support a child’s recovery and return to activity following a concussion. The aim is
to ensure that families can access information in a timely manner.
New posters and leaflets are designed to be available in clinical settings such as medical waiting rooms with an easily accessible QR code.
Tier 1 – Digital Information: Bumps Happen
Bumps Happen is split into 8 different information modules. Each of these deliver information at different stages of the recovery journey, covering advice in the immediate aftermath of a head injury, through to the days and weeks that follow.
The website is designed to be self-service, meaning users should be able to get the information they require without needing to interact with a clinician.
The site also has a dedicated chat bot feature.
Curated by a fictional head injury specialist, Zoe, she guides users to the information they require
via a series of simple multiple-choice questions.
This works particularly well on mobile devices, and although it serves the same information as the main website, the content is delivered in smaller bite- size chunks.
If users still feel they need to speak with a member of our team, they can submit a short contact form.
Bumps Happen can be accessed
via www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ bumps-happen
Tier 2 – Virtual ABI Team
The Children’s Trust’s Virtual ABI Team provide a free, goal-directed digital rehabilitation support service for children, young people and families living with acquired brain injury across the UK.
Referrals are accepted from parents, families, and professionals.
Support offered is directed by clinical need; families will be invited to join a virtual goal setting meeting where a plan is established to set meaningful participation-based goals.
Specific advice, signposting and consultation can also be provided by one of our clinicians.
The service model promotes and encourages self-management of needs in the long-term, however it is anticipated families may need a number of intervention periods in the years that follow their child’s initial injury, due to the lifelong developing nature of acquired brain injury.
The team offer coaching and guidance to young people, their families, and others in their network to help them work towards their goals.
It is recognised that some goals may be long-term in nature and the team will therefore aim to identify short term goals that can be addressed within the service offer that may be a stepping stone towards achieving
longer-term goals.
The Virtual ABI clinicians also offer a long-term register which offers support and follow-up to children with acquired brain injury at key educational transition points, in view of the possibility of emerging needs as a child gets older, and the changing expectations of school stages.
Support is offered when a child enters reception age, secondary and post 16 education.
The service will work flexibly to support families to access a virtual service if digital support is required. For further information or to make a referral, the Virtual ABI Team can be contacted on: tctcommunity@thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Tier 3 – Community rehabilitation
The Children’s Trust Community Rehabilitation Team covers the South- East of England providing specialist assessment and goal-directed intensive rehabilitation for children and young people living with acquired brain injury or neurodisability.
Rehabilitation is functional and context-based to address areas impacted by the child’s brain injury, including but not limited to:
• mobility
• self-care
• cognition
• communication
• emotional wellbeing
• return to education
• leisure activities, hobbies and family life
• friendships.
Intervention is holistic and focused on activities that are relevant and meaningful to the child, and delivered in the most appropriate setting which may include the child’s home, in school or in the community.
Outpatient therapy at The Children’s Trust is also available, enabling access to on-site facilities such as aquatic therapy and robotics. Specialist assessment will be offered when there is a gap in local provision and outcomes of the assessment will support the child’s ongoing rehabilitation and participation in activities within their own environments.
This can include delivery in a hybrid/virtual way.
There is evidence that neurorehabilitation is most effectively delivered by a coordinated team of professionals from the relevant disciplines. Where clinically appropriate, the service will take an interdisciplinary approach.
This means the team works together in a co-ordinated way towards an agreed set of goals to assist the child to reintegrate into school, achieve their desired level of independence and enable their participation in chosen activities and ultimately in society.
Some other aspects of service delivery may require a different approach i.e. when therapy requirement is from one discipline. Core specialisms offered include:
• Psychology
• Speech & Language therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation technician.
Delivery is in collaboration with the child’s local community services where possible and is subject to funding.
Funding is typically secured via the child’s Integrated Care Board, although self-pay and private funding is accepted. Intervention can be provided at any stage in a child’s rehabilitation journey post the acute phase, including support to children who are many years post injury.
For further information or to make a referral please contact The Children’s Trust dedicated Placements Team by emailing placements@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or calling 01737 365 080.
For further into on The Children’s Trust Community Rehabilitation Service, please visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Understanding the impact of brain injuries: types, causes, and rehabilitation strategies
Types of brain injuries and causes
A brain injury occurs when a blow or trauma to the head causes signifi- cant brain damage. There are different causes of brain injury that can range in severity from mild to severe. Brain injuries are divided into two categories: traumatic and acquired. A traumatic injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that is caused by trauma to the head. This can be by anything, such as a fall, motor vehicle acci- dent, assault, or a sports injury.
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury that occurred at or since birth. The brain can be injured as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumour, poisoning, infection and disease, or alcohol and drug abuse.
Impact of brain injury
A brain injury can impact an individual’s physical, behavioural, psycho- logical and cognitive functions. The individual may experience mobility problems, behavioural and emotional changes and cognitive impairments, which can affect their daily life.
Physical
After a brain injury, brain function can be temporarily impaired, some- times referred to as a concussion. Whilst most people can make a good physical recovery, some can experience problems for months or even years after a brain injury. Common physical effects of brain injury are mobility problems, spasticity, weakness or paralysis, sensory impairment, fatigue, epilepsy, and difficulties with speech.
Behavioural
Brain injuries can have a significant effect on behaviour. This stems from damage to areas of the brain that regulate emotions and impulses, including anger, impulsive behaviour, self-centeredness, impaired aware- ness and even violence.
Psychological
A brain injury can alter the way people feel or express emotions. It is common for individuals who have suffered a brain injury to encounter feelings of depression or other emotional challenges. Feeling sad is a normal response to the changes an individual faces after a Traumatic Brain Injury however prolonged feel- ings of sadness can be a key sign of depression. Depression is a common problem and can be caused by factors such as physical changes in the brain or emotional response to injury.
The individual may also experience anxiety after a Traumatic Brain Injury. For many, situations that require a lot of attention and information process- ing, such as crowded environments, heavy traffic, and noisy children, can make the individual feel anxious.
Rehabilitation strategies
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery for the individual who has sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury. Various healthcare teams, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists, will work closely together to provide a comprehensive care plan, personalised to the individual. Families will also play an important part in the care and rehabilitation of their loved ones.
Neurological physiotherapy
This is crucial following a Traumatic Brain Injury, in order to achieve the maximum potential recovery. Neuro-physiotherapy can help with restoring muscle strength and joint stability, improve balance, reduce muscle spasms and restore independ- ence and quality of life. Families can assist in providing emotional support, encouragement and motivation to the individual undergoing rehabilitation. They can also assist with any exercises or activities that are recommended by the therapist.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is an effective form of rehabilitation as it can help the individual living with a brain injury to regain the physical skills they need to participate in work, school and daily activities. Families can help the indi- vidual to adapt their home and work environments to accommodate any physical limitations they may have.
Speech and language therapy
The two main speech disorders that can arise from a brain injury are dysarthria and dyspraxia of speech.
A speech and language therapist can support people who may experience communication, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties that can arise from their brain injury. The duration of speech and language intervention will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury. Families can play a crucial role in helping their loved ones to practice speech exercises and pro- viding communication support.
Neuro-psychology
A neuropsychologist studies the relationship between the brain and behaviour. They can provide treatment recommendations for behavioural, emotional, and cognitive problems that arise with a brain injury. Families can provide information about their loved one’s behaviour and cognitive functioning, which can assist the neuropsychologist in developing a treatment plan. They can also offer support and encouragement throughout the treatment process.
Dietician
A dietician will be involved in the individual’s care if the individual with a brain injury needs to be tube-fed. A dietician can also help in situations such as fatigue, weight management, gut problems, tissue viability,
dysphagia and loss of smell or taste. In some situations, families can provide support in managing their loved one’s diet, and helping them to adhere to any dietary restrictions that may be necessary. If their loved one requires PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy) feeding, families can work with healthcare professionals to develop a feeding plan that meets the individual’s nutritional needs and preferences.
Wheelchair service
A Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to physical difficulties that require intense rehabilitative care. Some people will require a wheelchair service if their brain injury has led to them losing the ability to walk and position themselves. Families can help their loved one with the adjustment to using a wheelchair and assist with transportation to appointments.
How Cavendish Homecare can help
We recognise the complex and challenging nature of brain injuries and the impact they have on the individual and their families.
Our team of experienced and highly trained nurses and carers work together with multi-disciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive care plan package personalised to each individual’s needs. We understand that recovery is a long and ongoing process, and we provide support to the client and their families throughout the rehabilitation journey.
To understand more about how our services can help you, contact us and speak with a nurse manager that can guide you through the process to achieve care at home for your family or friend after a brain injury.
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