Head Injury

A Head Injury can result in a variety of presentations dependent upon the area of the brain affected. Physical difficulties with movement, balance and coordination can be experienced and physiotherapy is beneficial at all stages.

The bodies natural response following a Head Injury, is to use compensatory strategies to achieve movement and stability but continued use of compensatory strategies results in tightening of a persons body into inefficient postures which ultimately limits the functional activity they were initially being used to achieve.

The aim of physiotherapy is to actively facilitate the appropriate efficient interplay of muscle activity, balance and postural adjustments as recovery takes place and is very important during the early stages of rehabilitation.

However, it is still possible to positively influence longstanding postures and movements which can develop.

Spasticity can be a common presentation in people who have suffered a Head injury and can lead to tightness, pain and lack of function. However, its presentation can be positively changed by the mobilisation of tight muscles/joints and the facilitation of appropriate movement strategies.

Recovery may be limited to varying degrees dependent upon the severity of damage to the brain but people who have suffered a Head Injury can continue to improve for many years.

Facilitation of appropriate postures and the prevention of contractures is important to ensure a persons comfort and quality of life, optimum level of functional activity and ease handling by carers throughout personal care and transfers.

There is often a limitation of a persons ability to fully gain control of their movements and therefore they may need to rely on a degree of ‘appropriate’ compensatory activity. The person and/or their carers, need to have gained an insight in to how to manage the situation in order to prevent these becoming established and static.

Physiotherapy has an important role to play in education of both client and carers re posture, balance, movement and long term maintenance.

Ongoing physiotherapy is often required to assist in maintaining a persons level of posture and/or functional abilities.