Emotional Lability

Physical	Communication	Cognitive	Behavioural / Emotional

Emotional lability can simply be described as rapidly changing moods or emotions. This can occur as a result of brain injury. There may be episodes of crying or laughing which do not correspond to the way the person is feeling, and over which the person has little or no control. A change in emotions can appear without any apparent specific reason and can appear as an over-reaction to a situation. This can be confusing for the persons close to a person with emotional lability.

Usually there is an improvement in emotional stability following brain injury. People often recover to a more normal emotional state over a period of time. Supportive feedback may assist after the person has regained control from an emotional episode. A psychologist may be able to help if problems are severe or persistent. Sometimes medications may help to stabilise mood.

"When someone has a brain injury, early access to local, specialist rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the maximum recovery and make significant savings to the state in health costs"

Headway; United Kingdom

"Children and young people have poor social competence post brain injury due to reduced cognition, executive functions, and emotional control. As a result they are twice as likely to have mental health issues in the future"

James Tonks; University of London

"Our 10 year study proves that family-led home-based neuro-rehab interventions deliver the best outcomes for children and young people"

Lucia Braga; Brazil

"Taking brain injured children home causes high stress for families. Disjointed services exacerbate family stress levels."

Deborah Andrews; New Zealand

"Strength-based family intervention after pediatric ABI is essential. Parents need to be equipped with the skills to cope and advocate for the child."

Caron Gan; Canada

"With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"

Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain

"Healthy teens are better at identifying strategies to deal with barriers. KIDS WITH ABI'S CAN'T!"

Shari Wade; USA

"Different 'experts' involved in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation come from different organisational cultures which causes conflict and has a negative effect on the outcomes for the child."

Barbara O'Connell; Ireland

"We would like to see earlier identification and support for children with brain injuries to help them succeed in school."

Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"NHS clinicians struggle with what intervention to prioritise in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation due to limited clinical time and the complexity of needs. Children, clinicians, parents and schools all have different neuro-rehabilitation priorities"

Recolo; United Kingdom

OUR MISSION: To work to remove inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference to their lives.