Our brain defines who we are but, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of our lives, including our personality.

A brain injury is very different from breaking a bone. The body is able to rebuild bone by producing new cells and tiny blood vessels which close up the break until it’s as good as new. However, brain injuries do not heal like other injuries. Recovery is a functional recovery, based on mechanisms that remain uncertain.

Since our brain defines who we are, one of the unfortunate consequences of brain injury is that the person often does not realize that a brain injury has occurred. We saw this with one of our learners who had been involved in a serious car accident. He sadly remembered his life only before the accident and what he was capable of. He remembered that he was an Engineering student, but struggled to accept that he no longer could continue in this field. This disorientation affected his ability to function on a daily basis. Staff members at I Can! were able to find him a suitable psychiatrist who was able to stabilize him. We are delighted to report that he is improving daily to the point where he acknowledges his injury and has learnt not only to accept it, but to manage life around his disability.

Natascha Mc Allister
Operations Manager – KZN