Identifying Brain Injury Action for Brain Injury Week 2013
Specialist brain and spinal injury lawyers, Leigh Day have produced a publically accessible infographic aimed at increasing awareness over acquired brain injury.
This initiative comes as part of the 2013 Action for Brain Injury Week which this year will focus on providing information and resources for GPs to better aid their identification of brain injury amongst patients.
At one end of the spectrum, brain injury can lead to severe physical and cognitive disability, whilst at the more minor end of the spectrum the symptoms of brain injury can often go undetected and undiagnosed, as often the problems people experience can be easily ascribed to other causes, such as depression.
The attached graphic works to highlight the different types of brain injury, the effects these can have on an individual and what symptoms non-GP’s can learn to look out for. The aim is to equip patients with the confidence to approach their GP about their problems.
As part of the research, road traffic collisions were shown as a major cause of brain injury, with 25% accounting for minor head injuries, and 50% for all traumatic brain injuries! Road traffic collisions are the single biggest cause of severe head injuries and are likely to become the third most common cause of death and disability worldwide over the next 20 years.
Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and London were highlighted as those regions producing the highest number of people involved in serious road traffic related accidents in the UK. Collectively they have shown almost a 30% increase in this type of injury in just 12 months from June 2012.
Sally Moore, Head of Personal Injury for Leigh Day said:
“Brain injuries are not always picked up straight after a road collision, especially if the person has other serious physical injuries which are the focus of medical attention. Blurred vision, sleep disturbance or balance issues are just some of the signs of brain injury. Some brain injury sufferers complain of slowing of thought processes, inability to multi task and changes in mood. If these types of symptoms occur after a road collision then the person concerned should be assessed by their GP or hospital consultant.”
Brian injury related accidents – particularly those acquired through road traffic collisions – are a common occurrence, yet many patients are left unaware over the potential for long term damage.
Raising awareness over this and how to spot signs of further problems will help patients who would otherwise go undiagnosed, to approach their GP in more time, and work with them to try to identify a problem.
Action for Brain Injury Week will run from 13th – 19th May 2013.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- Infographic situated here:
http://www.brainandspinalinjuries.co.uk/Brain-Injury/Brain-injury-explained/Traumatic-brain-injury
- For further media enquiries, please contact: Steph.Gibson@stickyeyes.com | 0113 391 2929
- Founded in June 1987, Leigh Day is now a firm of lawyers with 30 partners and employs over 250 staff members comprising of; solicitors, trainees, paralegals, nurses, forensic accountants and professional support staff. Leigh Day have become a highly distinctive law firm whose aim is to remain a niche firm specialising in the more complex aspects of personal injury and human rights law.
- Issued on behalf of:
Leigh Day, Specialist brain and spinal injury lawyers |Priory House, 25 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4LB | http://www.brainandspinalinjuries.co.uk/
Contact: Sharon Steward: Tel: 020 7650 1319 | Email: ssteward@leighday.co.uk