In this episode of Ulysses Neuroscience podcast, we address acquired brain injury (ABI). This year, Brain Injury Awareness Day falls on the 16th March. Acquired brain injuries are injuries that happen during a person’s lifetime and can change a patient and their family’s lives suddenly and with no warning. Family members can sometimes be overlooked during the process of recovery, particularly in regard to mental health and where to access information and support networks as they adapt to life after a loved one suffers a brain injury and deal with feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. 

We hear from Meadhbh, whose father suffered a brain bleed in 2019 leaving him with lasting physical disabilities and cognitive symptoms, meaning her family has taken up a full time care position within their home. We discuss the main types of brain injury, causes, prevention and what services are available for those affected in Ireland with the hope of raising awareness and moving towards improved services to offer the best rehabilitation outcomes for survivors of brain injury and support for their families.