Headway campaign - brain injury fatigue.

Those of us who work closely with survivors of serious head injuries are aware of the particular challenges associated with fatigue as a consequence of brain injury.  Headway have recently reported that it is the most commonly cited symptom reported by callers to the Headway helpline.

Headway have launched a campaign this year aiming to give voice to those who are affected by disabling brain injury related fatigue.

In launching their campaign, Headway have produced some significant figures.

- 70% of brain injury survivors report that fatigue is the most debilitating aspect of their brain injury.

- 75% of  brain injury survivors need help to understand the way that fatigue impacts upon them.

- 69% of brain injury survivors feel that they have been unfairly judged or treated as a result of people not understanding their fatigue.

These findings follow-on from the survey of brain injury survivors in which 88% of respondents to the survey said that fatigue had an impact on their behaviour and emotions.  In supporting survivors of the head injury, we are familiar with the debilitating impact of head injury related fatigue. Survivors encounter this problem as they try to rebuild their lives and as they endeavour to continue with work, education and relationships.  We welcome Headway's efforts to raise the profile of fatigue, which is one of the invisible problems experienced by individuals even when the short-term impact of the injuries might have resolved.

We hope that Headway's focus upon the issue will encourage survivors to talk about their experiences and to seek the help that is available.  We hope too that it will encourage more research into the causes, impact and treatment options for fatigue.  We would encourage those affected to make contact with Headway.  The Headway helpline number is  0808 800 2244.  They have produced a helpful booklet entitled Managing Fatigue after Brain Injury and it is available from the information library at www.headway.org.uk.