Cognitive and emotional effects of acquired brain injury
Our 'cognitive functions' describe the complex things that go on inside our head.
Published: August 2015. Young person’s age at time of brain injury: 17 years.
The driver of the car I was travelling in pulled out in front of a coach full of school kids. The driver of the car died. I was sitting behind her and was left in a 13-week coma.
My parents were told to say goodbye. My mum was asked to remove infection control but she said no, thankfully. My family were told I would never walk or talk again; basically that I’d be in a permanent vegetative state.
Looking back, I think my parents would have benefitted from hearing some success stories and some more possibilities.
A busy and fulfilling life following brain injury
I’ve done a lot since suffering my brain injury.
I’ve just run 5k, I live alone in a bungalow, frequently horse ride, write poems and have singing lessons.
And I have just got engaged!
I have a neuropsychologist now which meets with me and my fiancé helping us to understand more about my problems.
I do find people always treat me like I'm stupid. They speak to carers over me, treat me like I'm an incapable baby.
I go to podiatry, have sports massages, do personal training and regularly horse ride.
I get so annoyed with people thinking of me as dirt to stamp on, not capable of anything. Like a newborn, I mean yes, I couldn't walk or talk, but I can now. People don't realise just how capable I am.
I have bad experiential memory. I know stuff I've done, facts, figures but can't remember doing it. I get over this and many of my problems by putting a positive on them. Bad memory - this means in my single days, more kisses! And I can "forget" friends birthdays "because of brain injury" but sometimes it will just be, forgetting to write it down.
A future of ability and joy
I want to have a happy married life, maybe do some paid work one day. My aim in life is to make others more aware of disability ABILITY!
If I could give advice to any other young people who have suffered a brain injury I would say: believe in yourself! Never rule things out until you know they're not possible. Believe that things are possible, never lose hope.
