A brain injury can affect every aspect of a person’s life – physical, cognitive, social and emotional. There are frequently no visible physical symptoms and that can lead others to overlook the resulting disabilities. Friends, family and acquaintances may misinterpret the effects of a brain injury as a personality defect.

Possible effects resulting from brain injury

Physical Effects

  • Headaches
  • Altered speech
  • Vision or hearing
  • Paralysis
  • Chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Dizziness

Cognitive Effects

  • Slow to respond
  • Memory problems
  • Poor concentration
  • Decreased attention span
  • Poor planning and problem solving skills
  • Impulsivity

Emotional Effects

  • Irritability
  • Lack of insight
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Socially inappropriate behaviour
  • Self-centredness

These effects may be life lasting or subside over time. A common brain injury myth is that it is an intellectual impairment. In fact, most survivors retain their intellectual abilities.