Fifty-seven per cent of people surveyed, who had all sustained their injuries in the last two years, say their access to specialist treatment has been negatively impacted from lockdown measures.
Among those living with the long-term effects of brain injury, two thirds reported that their mental health has deteriorated due to government measures to control the spread of Covid-19, and the same number fear for their futures.
These findings highlight the importance of ensuring those affected by brain injury are provided with appropriate physical, psychological and social rehabilitation, says Headway.
Peter McCabe, the charity’s chief executive of Headway, says the findings are ‘deeply concerning’.
“The first two years following a brain injury are very important in terms of a patient’s long-term prognosis and any delay to receiving specialist rehabilitation can impact their ability to lead an independent life in the future,” he says.
“Of equal concern is the short-term impact of the lockdown on survivors and their families.
“The effects of brain injury, such as problems with memory, a lack of insight or difficulties controlling behaviour and emotions, can mean that survivors face significant challenges in understanding and coping with the necessary safeguards put in place to deal with the pandemic.
“This can lead to conflict with other members of public as a result of not remembering the rules around social distancing, or excess pressure and emotional toil being placed on carers and family members.
“With local authorities under increasing financial pressure, local charities are facing an uphill battle to survive, exacerbating survivors’ fears for the future.
“Unless the government provides local authorities with adequate funding for community-based rehabilitation services, thousands of brain injury survivors and carers will either be left without support or be forced to rely on more costly state-funded care.”
