An Introduction to Coping with Brain Injury

New addition to the Introduction to Coping series of short primers on health conditions where CBT can benefit you. This covers advice on the science behind different types of acquired brain injuries and CBT techniques that can help with your gradual recovery.

Just the facts for coping with the after-effects of a brain injury

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) usually refers to people who have suffered a head injury or stroke but also includes those who have had brain tumours, an anoxic injury (where the brain has been starved of oxygen) or brain illnesses like encephalitis and meningitis. After an ABI, the brain undergoes a very slow healing process before improvements slow down and eventually plateau. This is different to other forms of brain conditions where the journey is more of a deteriorating one over time.

ABI is commonly called ''a hidden disability'' as it can easily be missed or misunderstood by others. Also it can significantly affect those close to the person and therefore it is frequently called ''a family affair'' too. As the issues are often hidden, complicated and affect patients and families alike, this book can act as a roadmap to help you and your loved ones navigate through the complex and often unexpected challenges that can arise following a brain injury, using:
- Cognitive rehabilitation approaches to understand and manage changes in our thinking abilities
- Cognitive behavioural approaches to address ways in which our thoughts, feelings, actions and physical reactions relate to each other