Head Injury or Traumatic Brain Damage can be caused by a number of different conditions, including illness, infection, strokes, aneurisms etc.

 

However, head/brain injuries caused as result of an accident, is an area where Bob Long has extensive experience over very many years, in handling cases ranging from the very mild, through to subtle but nonetheless significant problems caused by post concussion syndrome and similar, to very severe head injuries, giving rise to memory, concentration problems, anger and forgetfulness, often associated with an inability to function properly; and also including the most severe brain injury such as those in a “locked in” state.

 

These cases require great care and sensitivity of handling, particularly in more serious ones, as they affect not only the injured person, but also considerably affect close family members, carers, friends and sometimes work colleagues.

 

Bob Long’s approach in all these cases is to try to understand the nature and extent of the problem, and to find the appropriate help for the individual, from medical and other care professionals.

 

In the most serious case, he will help with setting up case management and other care requirements, and will endeavour to ensure that the right treatment and support is available, as soon as may be possible.

 

In the very severe cases, there can be a major impact upon the family, as to dynamics, finances etc. The injured person may have severe memory and concentration problems, find difficulty in maintaining attention, finding the correct word, and even thinking quickly and attending to matters. They are likely to suffer from severe headaches, and be irritable and aggressive at times, which can be worrying for the injured person and his/her family alike. 

 

If the injured person is incapable of managing their own affairs, then a receiver will have to be appointed to manage their affairs and make decisions for them.

 

Even with less serious head injuries, many of the above symptoms can be a problem to a greater or lesser extent, and living an independent existence can be very difficult. 

 

These are very complex cases, which require careful handling; as a consequence, Bob will invariably visit the injured person and/or his carers, in their home environment, to see for himself the problems faced in just coping with day to day life, travel and so forth. 

 

Bob has for very many years indeed been a member of Headway, a long established support organisation for those suffering with brain injury, and their family and carers. He has also, at various times, been a committee member of a local Headway group, and its successor. 

 

·   Mention wheelchair bound

·   Balance, coordination and fatigue

·   Swallowing and speaking disorders

·   Bowel and bladder incontinence