Study offers hope in treating brain injury

About 1 million people a year in the UK attend hospital following a head injury. While many will have no lasting effects, many others will have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which could have life-changing consequences. 

In cases of more severe TBI, consequences can worsen rapidly without emergency treatment with medication and/or surgery, where the focus is on minimising secondary damage due to inflammation, bleeding or reduced oxygen supply to the brain.

Even with specialist treatment, TBIs can cause cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties, problems with anger, fatigue and memory, and physical effects such as headaches, dizziness and issues with balance. Adjustment to changes in life following a brain injury can be very difficult for the survivor, partner and family who are often left with little or no support.  

The effects of brain injury can improve over time, especially with rehabilitation and access to appropriate support, however some effects may be lifelong and require adjustments or equipment to cope. 

Although this research into a nasal spray to target neuro inflammation is in its early stages, it is an exciting and promising development that will hopefully improve neurological outcomes for people who suffer a TBI, reducing anxiety, cognitive decline, and improved motor skills.

In the meantime, earlier this month Luke Griggs, the Chief Executive of the brain injury charity, Headway wrote to the new minister for major and long term conditions, Ashley Dalton MP, urging the government to commit to a fully funding acquired brain injury (ABI) strategy. Mr Griggs said:

An ABI strategy is essential to improve care and services for individuals with acquired brain injuries. Since the previous government’s call for evidence (2022), advancement on this has stagnated. Yet an ABI strategy has the potential to transform the lives of brain injury survivors, increasing their independence and reducing their reliance on costly long-term support from a variety of state-funded agencies.

You are the fifth minister responsible for acquired brain injury since the previous government’s call for evidence in 2022. I hope we can work together to effectively support brain injury survivors.

More information about the effects of brain injury and the support available for individuals, family or carers can be found on the Headway website.

For free advice on claiming compensation after a brain injury, contact one of our brain injury accredited specialists.

#TBI #ABI