Symptoms of a brain injury are wide-ranging, from physical effects such as balance and dizziness, to cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects such as memory problems and anger.
However, there is an effect of brain injury that is rarely spoken about even though it can have a major impact on not only the brain injury survivor, but also those around them.
Continence problems, or in other words, struggling to control when you urinate or empty your bowels, is a common issue after brain injury, particularly in the first several weeks. Whether a small leak or a complete loss of function, it can be physically and emotionally difficult to deal with.
The factsheet explains what may happen to the bladder and bowel following brain injury, and outlines what treatment, professional support and services are available to help. It also provides tips for living with ongoing continence problems.
Download the factsheet from our Information Library at: www.headway.org.uk/information-library.
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