Every year it is estimated that 1 million people attend hospital A&E in the UK with a head injury. However, many more head injuries go unreported and are not assessed by medical experts, according to brain injury charity Headway. The Nottingham based charity also states that around the UK, there are around 500,000 people living with long-term disabilities as a result of a head injuries.
Following a head or brain injury the effects can be long-lasting or at times, even permanent; including memory loss, physical or mental disability, fatigue and brain damage.
Accordingly, National Accident Helpline is urging the general public to take care and watch out for any signs that a brain injury may have been sustained following an accident.
Beth Powell, Consumer Director at National Accident Helpline, says: “The number of people who don’t get their injuries checked out following an accident is frightening. It’s crucial that every head injury, no matter how big or small, gets looked at by a medical expert. What most people don’t realise is that brain injuries, if left untreated, can be permanent. They can have life-changing effects for the victims and their families.
“Action for Brain Injury Week is invaluable in highlighting the issues facing those who care for someone with a brain injury. At National Accident Helpline we do everything we can to help people who call us for advice after an accident, and if appropriate we can refer them on to one of our specialist injury solicitors.”
National Accident Helpline has raised thousands of pounds for the charity Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT), and is a big supporter through being involved in numerous fundraising activities.