Headway - the brain injury association

What is Brain Injury?

Each year over 2000 people in Northern Ireland sustain a brain injury and as many as 1 million people attend A&E departments in the UK after a head injury.Brain injuries can be caused by a number of different reasons including falls, road traffic accidents and assault. This can have a life changing effect on the individual, their families and carers.

The brain is an amazing organ and determines what we think, do and who we are. Although protected by the skull, the brain can still be easily injured, even if there is no obvious external damage to the head.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any form of brain injury that has occurred since birth. This includes damage to the brain caused by:

• strokes
• tumours
• hypoxia
• degenerative diseases
• other conditions not necessarily caused by an external force

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from damage to brain tissue caused by an external force. Leading causes of TBI are:

• motor vehicle accidents
• acts of violence                       
• falls
• sports and recreational injuries  
• TBI can occur without any outward physical evidence of injury or trauma.

What is Headway?

Headway – the brain injury association is the leading UK charity providing help and support to adults affected by acquired brain injury.  At Headway we want to help not only the survivor of the brain injury, but also their family, carers and professionals working with them. 

Headway provides support and promotes understanding of brain injury through:

• Local Groups and Branches
• Free confidential information helpline 0808 800 22 44
• Website
• Information publications

Headway is continually working to develop additional support services for anyone in Northern Ireland who has been affected by a brain injury; survivors, family members and carers.

For more information about Headway in Northern Ireland please contact the Regional Coordinator on 07826 909110 or contact your local group or branch directly.