This week, brain injury survivors, their families, charities and other associated organisations join together in a bid to raise awareness of the seriousness of brain injuries as part of Action for Brain Injury Week.

Organised by Headway – the brain injury association, the theme for this year’s awareness week focuses on the need to be ‘concussion aware’ in sport, striving to ensure that grassroots and junior sport remains enjoyable, without exposing participants to the risk of brain injury. The campaign also emphasises the need for sport at all levels to recognise the signs and symptoms of suspected concussion, so that sportsmen and women are not exposed to additional danger.

Samantha Hemsley, head of the serious injury and clinical negligence teams at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Brain injuries have a significant impact on the lives of those who suffer them. A brain injury can result in difficulty processing information, impaired memory, extreme emotional reactions, altered speech, and in the most serious cases physical disability affecting one or all limbs. Sufferers lives, and the lives of their families are often altered beyond recognition and forever"

“Our serious injury team has extensive experience working with clients who have suffered brain injuries resulting and we work closely with support organisations, including Headway, to ensure that brain injury survivors receive the best possible support and rehabilitation services.

“Action for Brain Injury Week is crucial for highlighting the importance of quickly recognising the signs of potential brain injury, the need to seek prompt treatment and the provision of high-quality support and rehabilitation services for brain injury survivors.”