NHS Statistics

300,000 children attend A & E in the UK with a head injury every year

making traumatic brain injury (TBI) the biggest cause of death and disability in children and young people!

 

How many children are affected by a traumatic brain injury in our area?

In one year – 2018/19

  • 1,415 children aged 0-15 sustained a traumatic brain injury.  
  • The majority had no loss of consciousness
  • 583 young people aged 16-25 sustained a traumatic brain injury
  • The majority had no loss of consciousness

That is almost 2000 children and young people living with the hidden effects of a traumatic brain injury in ONE year.  Times that by 10 years and it becomes a significant number.

Children also suffer A-traumatic brain injuries each year (i.e. not caused by trauma) but also needing hospital admission

  • An estimated 30 / 100 children are affected every year across the UK.   (Source Dr M O’Sullivan, Paediatric Consultant, The James Cook University Hospital, 2015) 
  • Thus of the 51,000 children aged 0-15 who live locally, an additional 150 (approx) will be admitted for:
  • Non traumatic coma (eg cardiac arrest, encephalitis, metabolic disorder)
  • Brain tumours 
  • Stroke 

Outcome of paediatric acquired brain injury (both traumatic and A-traumatic)

Research shows that the younger the child at the time of the injury, the greater the possibility of long term difficulties because:

  • injury to a developing brain, that has not yet established skills and functions, creates increased complexity and far reaching effects
  • cognitive impairment may only become apparent in teenage years when they fall behind their peers
  • brain injuries are very variable in terms of symptom duration, disabling effect and life impact
  • recovery after a traumatic brain injury is often patchy

We believe this is down to a lack of awareness and understanding across a range of community professionals and a lack of knowledgeable support to aid recovery.

Common problems after a brain injury show in four distinct areas:

  • physical
  • communicative
  • cognitive and
  • behavioural/emotional

Click below to see the full range of potential problems experienced by children who have experienced a brain injury.

KNOWN DEFICITS OF ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY


"Positive and coordinated neuro-rehab interventions for children and young people is proven to bring health improvements; improve independence; reduces the need for sheltered living; decreases vulnerability; decreases drop-out rates in schools; decreases youth offending"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
"Often families don't have the financial capability to access services. We need to rethink how we deliver neuro-rehab services to children and young people"
Vicki Anderson; Australia
"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
"Healthy teens are better at identifying strategies to deal with barriers. KIDS WITH ABI'S CAN'T!"
Shari Wade; USA
"Brain development is complex and prolonged. Brain plasticity is influenced by a range of factors. Plasticity provides a base for neuro-rehab therapies and treatment"
Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada
"Pediatric neuro-rehabilitation cannot be delivered in isolation. The needs of the child have to be looked at both holistically and within the context of the family unit. Parents need to be empowered to be parents in post-acute pediatric neuro-rehabilitation following brain injury"
The Children's Trust; United Kingdom
This is the best support plan we have ever seen that will deliver the best outcomes for this young person.  The costings are 'spot on' and realistic'.  Direct Payments Team.  
"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

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.

Council for Disabled Children Community Funded Charity Excellence Lottery Funded Youth Foundation BBC CiN