Child Brain Injury Trust

Our Chairman joins in the fun

2012-02-15T12:46:00.000Z

Judith Begins her Challenge

To walk over 21 Bridges along the Thames

Our super Chairman Judith Middleton began her walk on a 10th February 2012. So far she has rasied well over £1,000 and is looking to achieve her fundraising target of £2,100. You can donate vis www..virginmoneygiving.com/JudithMiddleton

Judith is ready for the off.....

Teddington to Kew (about 6.25 miles)

Judith says

Despite the cold and a little snow the walk was lovely. Crossed Teddington Footbridge, Richmond Bridge and Richmond Lock Footbridge (left to right below), with break for lunch on wrong side of Richmond Bridge. I can recommend a very good Italian place.

School Kids Get a Head for Cycle Safety

2012-01-30T15:20:00.001Z

NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE TO GIVE FREE CYCLE HELMETS TO KIDS

Left to Right: Alastair White, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Miranda Barty-Taylor, Mary Dryburgh, Victoria Aquino; Richard Simpson MSP

Specialist cycling lawyers, Cycle Law Scotland (www.cyclelawscotland.co.uk), have joined forces with brain injury charities, The Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway to launch an initiative to improve cycle safety among children.

The Cycle Safety Roadshow, launched today at Govan’s Lorne Street Primary School, will be touring a number of schools across Scotland delivering workshops to improve awareness of the dangers of not wearing a helmet and raising awareness of acquired brain injury among children.

At the event attended by Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary, and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon and Shadow Health Minister, Dr Richard Simpson, each child taking part will receive a free cycling helmet, donated by Cycle Law Scotland and Halfords, as part of the initiative’s “Great Cycle Helmet Giveaway”.

According to the latest Scottish Government statistics, there were 149 child cycling casualties in 2009.

For solicitor with Cycle Law Scotland, Victoria Aquino, improving safety is all about changing attitudes:

"At Cycle Law Scotland we see first hand the damage that cycling accidents can have on people. As cyclists we know only too well the dangers of the road and the importance of promoting safe cycling as early as possible. The key to making people safer on their bikes is by changing attitudes. This is what these road-shows are all about.

We’re here to tell children that it is vitally important when you’re out on your bike to wear a helmet.  Some children may think that they don’t want to because it’s not what their friends do, but hopefully today we’ll get the message across that a helmet and safe cycling is the only way to cycle.

We’re all delighted that Ms Sturgeon and Dr Simpson have come along today to show their support for this initiative.”

Mary Dryburgh, of the Child Brain Injury Trust, said:

“Brain injury is the biggest cause of death and disability in young people in the UK. Events such as these get children thinking about staying safe when cycling as well as the effects a brain injury can have."

Headway, have a total of 13 branches helping teenagers and adults with brain injuries across Scotland get support and helping them return to community living. Gaille McCann works with Headway in Glasgow. She said:

“This is a great opportunity to get the message across about the challenges people with brain injuries face in a way that interests the kids.  At Headway we aim to prevent brain injuries, educate people about the challenges and support those affected continue a happy and active life. Hopefully they’ll take away the message that it’s important to be safe cyclists and caring to those with brain injuries.”

Speaking of the event Head-teacher at Lorne Street Primary School, Ms Marjori Thompson, added:

“I and the staff at Lorne Street Primary School are delighted to welcome everyone involved in the Cycle Safety Roadshow and both Ms Sturgeon and Dr Simpson. Events like this really enrich our pupils’ education and understanding of the world around them.  I’m sure they’ll make great use of the cycle helmets and come away knowing just how important bike safety is.”

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon attended the event and presented the children with their helmets along with Shadow Health Minister Dr Richard Simpson.

Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

“I’m delighted to support this initiative and welcome the fact that it’s being launched here in Govan. Cycling is a great way to get exercise and promote healthier lifestyles in communities across Scotland, but it’s important that it’s done safely.  To see the Child Brain Injury Trust, Headway and Cycle Law Scotland all come together to promote cycle safety in our schools shows how important this issue is.
We need to encourage a new generation of safety conscious cyclists and better awareness of the needs of people with brain injuries. I have no doubt that this initiative will do just that.”

Dr Richard Simpson MSP, said:

“Safety is vitally important when cycling. People might think wearing a helmet or safety wear is an optional extra. It should never be seen that way. Educating children about the benefits of wearing safety gear and giving them helmets is a great way to get that message across.  I welcome the fact that Cycle Law Scotland, the Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway have come together to offer these road-shows. It’s a great initiative and I’m delighted to get behind it.”

Warning from woman left brain damaged after binge accident - Health - Scotsman.com

2012-01-24T12:15:00.000Z

Warning from woman left brain damaged after binge accident - Health - Scotsman.com

2012-01-24T12:08:00.002Z

Kids' brain injuries can cause lingering problems for years, study finds
By Linda Carroll

Courtesy of the Napadano family

Mark Napadano watched in horror as his 13-year-old son slammed head first into the hard ground after a motocross accident. In seconds he was at the side of his son, Sam, terrified by the sight of the junior high athlete so full of life just moments before lying limp in front of him - and not breathing. “It was like a nightmare,” Mark remembers.

At the hospital doctors examined Sam and gave Mark the frightening news: Sam had a large pocket of blood pooling near the top of his head and two smaller bleeds in the front and two in the back. “They didn’t say he was going to die, but they didn’t say he was going to live,” recalls the 45-year-old car dealer.

Sam was in a coma for days and in critical care for almost a month. By the time he was released to a rehab facility the 5-foot-4-inch teen had dropped from a trim and muscular 114 pounds to just 84. For months Mark and his wife, Sue, watched as their son learned to talk and walk for a second time.

Now, three years after the wreck Sam is almost back to where he was before, Mark says. Sam returned to school three months after the accident and kept up his rehab for two years. He still has some short term memory problems and though his working memory has improved, it can be a challenge if too many commands are thrown his way at the same time.

While conventional wisdom is that children have a great capacity to overcome damage from a severe traumatic brain injury, or TBI, because their brains are still developing and “plastic,” a new study shows that many may actually end up with some lasting deficits. The study followed 56 children for 10 years after they’d sustained a TBI between the ages of 2 and 7.

During the study, the Australian researchers repeatedly examined the children’s intellectual abilities, as well as social and behavioral skills, according to the report published in Pediatrics.

The report confirmed earlier research showing that most kids with mild TBIs recover completely, but the prognosis for children with more severe injuries is less predictable.

These new data suggest that “the majority of these kids will have long-term problems,” says the study’s lead author Vicki Anderson, a researcher at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. “And while there was some ‘spontaneous’ recovery, those who had access to rehab did better.”

Office Move

2012-01-23T14:04:00.001Z

An exciting piece of news from our Scotland office is that they will be moving in February to great, new premises in the East of Edinburgh city centre. They will be based at Norton Park in the Leith area which is a converted school occupied by non-profit, community organisations in Edinburgh run by Albion Trust. It is our hope that this move will allow us to further build on our relationships with other, related organisations that are also based there such as ‘Into work’, ‘The Action Group’, ‘Edinburgh Young Carers Project’, ‘Venture Scotland’ to name but a few!

The new address will be:Child Brain Injury Trust - Scotland
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY

Although all email addresses will remain the same; marydryburgh@cbituk.org bethwales@cbituk.org clairemurray@cbituk.org our phonenumber will be changing on the 1^st of February to: 0131 475 2598

Digby Brown support us at the 9th World Congress on Brain Injury - Edinburgh 21 - 25 March 2012

2012-01-19T12:14:00.002Z

Digby Brown Solicitors has kindly donated £700 towards the cost of the Child Brain Injury Trust attending the International Brain Injury World Congress in March 2012 in Edinburgh.

Without their support we would not be able to present the two posters that have been selected for us to present. The first will highlight the work we are doing across the UK to raise awareness of the link between offending behaviour and childhood acquired brain injury.

The second will showcase the pioneering Peer Support work that the Child and Family Support Project in Scotland has delivered and the impact it has had on young people.

We look forward to seeing you there too http://www.internationalbrain.org

Our thanks and gratitude to Robert Swanney Partner at Digby Brown

still smiling

2012-01-19T12:05:00.001Z

14 lengths done - 7 to go

Thank you to all sponsors so far - I have raised nearly £1,800 . I desperately want to achieve the target of £2,100 for the charity to give it a really kick start

please sponsor me at www.virginmoneygiving.com/lisaturan

thanks

Lisa

Day 9 of Challenge 21 - why am I doing this??

2012-01-11T16:11:00.002Z

Every year at least 500,000 children and young people will visit A&E with an injury to their head. Some may be fine, but many will result in an acquired brain injury.

An acquired brain injury in childhood or whilst the brain is still growing (it matures at approx 22 years of age) can have a devastating affect on the whole family.

For example, Susan was 9 she fell from her bedroom window on the first floor. She sustained a broken arm and collarbone and was, prior to being discharged 2 days later, found to have a blood clot on the brain which required immediate surgery.

The doctors predicted that the operation might lead to some memory loss and issues with concentration. Susan’s head injury was referred to as a ‘mild’ but her parents were assured that the issues would be short-term. Mum and Dad were encouraged to ride out the potential, but unlikely, 2 year recovery period and view these issues as entirely surmountable.

Susan returned home 2 weeks later and returned to full-time school.

One follow-up appointment was arranged with the community paediatrician, at which time Susan was given the all-clear. Mum and Dad were asked about any issues that concerned them, but they both felt confident that Susan had made a remarkable recovery.

Since her return to school, Susan has continued to make ‘acceptable’ academic progression, but has not coped well with the transition from primary to secondary school.

4 years on and Susan is now 13. She is in her second year of high school, but teaching staff are finding Susan increasingly difficult to understand. Susan’s school reports indicate that she has the potential to 'try harder' but chooses not to.

The school believe that Susan may be suffering from depression. When she is on a ‘downer’ teachers have said that she point-blank refuses to listen to or consider any point of view other than her own. Staff have tried their best to reason with her but on these occasions, they maintain that it is almost as if it goes 'in one ear and out the other'. These occasions are becoming much more frequent and are leading to extreme and irrational behavioural changes.

Susan also struggles to get from class to class when the corridors are crowded. She often finds herself tripping over books and bags and bumping into people and lockers.

She can’t remember things that she is told in class even though everyone else in the class understands it perfectly well. Susan is reluctant to ask for things to be repeated. Even when Susan does understand what she has to do, she often has great difficulty initiating the task and the steps involved in completing it.

She comes to school each day with half finished homework. There have been times when Susan hasn’t been able to find the notes she has made for herself for homework and/ or has had difficulty understanding them, so it has been impossible to complete.

Susan gets easily distracted in class. She tends to think about other things quite a bit and has great difficulty following verbal instructions.

She struggles to keep up with the pace of classroom activity, and seems to work less effectively in group activities.

PE isn’t something Susan enjoys, particularly when the sports teacher is shouting out instructions and you are expected to get involved in team

sports. Susan has PE straight after morning break, and it leaves her absolutely exhausted.

She also struggles to change back into her school uniform afterwards as it’s impossible to tell which way things go. The other kids at school think it’s hilarious if Susan puts her shoes on the wrong feet or has her jumper round the wrong way.

Susan has been accused by her friends as having a sense of humour failure. She doesn’t ‘get’ their jokes and has a tendency to take what is being said in the wrong way. They are embarrassed to be with her and she feels increasingly lonely.

Susan goes to bed exhausted of an evening, averages between 8 and 9 hours sleep but still struggles to get up the following day.

Mum and Dad are increasingly worried about her behaviour, attitude and general well being. Mum is getting tired and Dad is becoming irritated by mum's lack of time for him.

This story is just one example of how an acquired brain injury can impact on the family and the young person themselves.

Supporting people like Susan and her family is what the Child Brain Injury Trust do . No matter how big or small the issue is the charity will do what it can to help the family get through with hope and peace of mind for the future.

I hope the money that I raise for Challenge 21 will support families so that they don't have to go through the pain that Susan and her family have had to go through. So even though I have pain in my arms, its nothing like the pain families go through so please support me and help me raise £2,100 www.virginmoneygiving.com/lisaturan

Day 8 - Challenge 21 - injured but keeping afloat!

2012-01-10T10:33:00.001Z

Today was the 8th mile I have swam - I thought I might not make it this morning as I have have pulled a muscle in my arm which is causing some 'smarting' issues. However, I pushed through it and found myself at waters edge at 7am - alone today.

The water is really not too bad - quite warm and clean, although my skin is beginning to develop an aroma of chlorine which I can smell all day (how do Olympians cope?).

Also the hair drier was broken today which added to my 'drying time' considerably!!!!

I have decided to alter my technique tomorrow whereby I'll introduce the 'back stroke' into my swimming schedule for variety and to help avoid any boredom that might creep in.

I am still a little short of the target I want to raise , so if you would like to support me you can through www.virginmoneygiving.com/lisaturan

7 Miles in and still going

2012-01-09T17:33:00.001Z

7 miles in and still going - swimming a mile a day is quite easy but its fitting it in around a full time that is beginning to be an issue. In fact swimming is the most relaxing part of my day (so far), apart from the sleeping bit which I do between 11pm and 6am!

Early mornings have never been my strength as the girls in the office will tell you 'don't talk to Lisa before she has had a coffee!' Never before has my morning coffee at the office been more welcoming... his morning I had some company . My daughter Zoe (15) decided that she would give it a try and she did. It was really quite sweet to see her slightly swollen eyes, squashed face and general 'i'm still in bed' attitude next to me in the car at 6.30 this morning. She braved it and should be commended for it - having completed half a mile, showered, blow dried and ready for school all before 8.15 - well done Zoz.

As for me - the pain in my left elbow persists and their is absolutely no point dying my hair until the challenge is completed - therefore I am greyer than ever but still enjoying the challenge.

Day 4 - cramps start to hit

2012-01-06T14:17:00.001Z

Day 4 of CEO challenge 21 took me to Edinburgh to a lovely Victorian pool near the city of Edinburgh. I decided quite early on that if I am to succeed at this challenge I need to find a pool wherever I am in order to maintain the momentum and to ensure that I stay on track. So having to be in Scotland to meet supporters and the team meant the need to find a suitable venue to continue.

So with new goggles in bag (I forgot to bring any with me, so had to walk two miles to find some and then realised that the pool would probably sell them - dah) I set off to find the pool (on foot again) with the help of a AA route map and my nose!

What I found was the above pool which I have to say was beautiful - albeit a little small and a tiny bit cold! Having the changing rooms around the outside of the pool was really good and made me wonder whether I should have bought my Victorian swimming costume complete with bloomers and bonnet - too much information!!

I made my way down to the pool side and slid in to begin 72 lengths of this 25 yard pool.... about 25 lengths in the cramps started and oh they didn't stop until about 65 lengths, so it was a pretty hard and painful hour!!! However, I managed to complete the task and felt pretty good once done. Although today I am beginning to pay with aches across my neck and ache which should be sorted out with a massage and long hot bath when I get home tonight.

So day 4 and only 17 miles left to do. Please sponsor me if you haven't already done so www.virginmoneygiving.com/lisaturan
thanks for your support

Challenge 21 - Let the Challenge Begin

2012-01-03T10:41:00.001Z

Day 1
CEO Challenge

Not being a natural 'early riser' may bit a bit of a problem over the next 21 days - you see the only time I am able to get to the swimming pool to complete my mammoth challenge of 21 miles in 21 days is to be at the pool by 7am.

So after a very lazy Christmas break, this morning's alarm was a rather nasty shock! With rain speckling the window and the darkness of the night still around, I dragged my sorry self to the car and drove the 5 miles to the warmth of the Swan Pool in Buckingham. The Christmas indulgence has taken its toll and I am in need of a good toning up, so the challenge will not only raise money for the charity but should also help with my general well being and fitness as we move into a very busy 21st year.

The first 20 lengths were probable the hardest and then the rest follows - 64 lengths done - 1,280 to go!!!

If you would like to sponsor me please go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/lisaturan to help me raise the first £2,100 towards our £210,000 target

Lisa Turan

Cage Fight Boys

2011-09-22T15:06:00.004+01:00

There has been a lot of media hype today about the two young boys who were cage fighting. Indeed the police have been involved but have decided to take no further action and various spokes people have made media statements - see below.

We at the Child Brain Injury Trust do not endorse or encourage any kind of activitiy or so called sport that has only one objective - to knock your opponent out! There is no need for it, no sense in it and there is plenty of evidence to show the damage it causes especially to the contestants brain's.

However, we do encourage children to participate in sports and for boys and girls to have activities that enables them to keep fit and to let of steam in a controlled and safe environment. However, beating each other up for the gratification of an audience is not something we condone not should it be - we see far too many cases of childhood brain injury and the impact it has on the whole family to ever support these kind of sports.

Lisa Turan
CEO

Press Statement
Police will take no action against the organisers of "barbaric" cage fighting involving children as young as eight.

Concerns were raised about whether two boys were put at risk by taking part in a bout at Greenlands Labour Club in Preston, Lancashire, in front of a 250-strong adult audience.

But a spokesman for Lancashire Police said the force has "looked into this matter fully and there are no issues for us to pursue".

Earlier Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned the event as "barbaric" and expressed shock at an apparent lack of restrictions on the activity.

A video of the bout posted on the internet shows the youngsters fighting in a cage without protective padding or headgear and receiving medical attention.

"Getting more young people doing sport is great but I do ask myself whether it really does have to be in a cage," Mr Hunt told the BBC. "It just feels to me, it feels very barbaric and I know there are concerns about children that young doing a sport like that.

"We don't want to discourage children from doing sport, and particularly young boys with all the social problems that we were thinking about in the summer. We have to recognise that sport has a very, very important role but I think with this particular sport, I think some people will ask some questions."
Club owner Michelle Anderson defended her decision to stage the event, and Nick Hartley, the father of one of the boys, told the BBC his son was not at risk of harm.

Mr Hartley said: "He loves the sport. It's not one bit dangerous, it's a controlled sport. He likes to do it. He's never forced to do it, he wants to do it, so leave him to do it. He'll never get hurt, it's a controlled sport, he could never get hurt."

Ms Anderson said: "The children were not doing cage fighting, they were just grappling. There was no punching, kicking or striking. The event was perfectly legal. If you criticise this, then you've got to ask yourself if it's all right for kids to do boxing or judo."

MP 'heads - up over Kids

2011-09-19T15:37:00.002+01:00

MP’s heads-up over kids’ cycling safety

STAY SAFE ... South Shields MP David Miliband with Harton Primary School pupils, who are wearing cycling helmets donated by brain injury charity Headway and Thompsons Solicitors.

By LISA NIGHTINGALE
Published on Thursday 15 September 2011 11:55

SOUTH Shields MP David Miliband has urged young cyclists to use their heads and stay safe.

Mr Miliband was at Harton Primary School in South Shields, where he encouraged pupils to wear cycle helmets when riding.
His talk came ahead of The Cycles (Protective Headgear for Children) Bill receiving its second reading in Parliament on November 4, which would make it compulsory for under-14s to wear a helmet when out on their bikes.
During last Friday’s visit to the East Avenue school, Mr Miliband handed out 30 cycle helmets, donated by Thompsons Solicitors in South Shields, which has teamed up with brain injury charity Headway.
Mr Miliband said: “Children love riding their bikes, but it is crucial that they protect themselves – and the way to do this is to wear a helmet.
“I am delighted that Headway and Thompsons have joined forces to donate potential life-saving helmets to the young people of Harton Primary School.”
Mr Miliband was joined on the visit by Alastair White, the North East regional co-ordinator for Headway, Miranda Barty-Taylor from the Child Brain Injury Trust, and Paul Brown and Mick Laffey from Thompsons Solicitors.
Mr White said: “If this action prevents just one child and family from suffering from the effects of brain injury, it will be a success.
“If the Bill is passed, we have no doubts it will save many lives.”
Paul Brown added: “We deal with many cases following road traffic accidents where children are seriously injured, and we see the devastating effects that brain injury can have on children and their families.
“We are therefore committed to raising awareness of brain injury, promoting road safety and reducing accidents.
“It is by undertaking awareness campaigns such as this, in partnership with the school, which will hopefully reduce the amount of brain injuries and fatalities on our roads.”

Child and Family Support Update

2011-07-29T17:00:00.000+01:00

Child and Family Support Update

Welcome to the first Child and Family Support Officer Blog, where there will be updates on our work, and what we’ve been up to. We are a rare breed, much like the duck-billed platypus, and like our animal friend, we are highly adaptable to our surroundings. Thus we are to be found both advocating for families at meetings, training education professionals, visiting young people in hospital or at school, and even making tattoos at Family Events:

These posts are our way of shining a torch on our day-to-day role, and hopefully providing some insight into the breadth and depth of the work we do with families. In the space of one day, we often find ourselves switching hats at various points, from family meetings, to multi-disciplinary meetings, to school meetings. We keep a cool head on our shoulders and we try to make a difference. It’s as simple – and as difficult – as that!

Last week I had a new referral, and met a courageous young lad who’d had a brain haemorrhage, and his little brother, aged 3. Sitting on the sofa enjoying their cereal, they both had his Mum, Dad and me in fits of laughter, and it was just lovely to see him doing so well. We were able to introduce our brand new All About Me Portfolio to the young man in question, and he wrote his own Personal Profile on the computer to slip into the front of it, whilst his Mum and I had a coffee. These Portfolios are a new Child Brain Injury Trust Publication, free to families, which holds section of information about the Young Person, which they themselves can contribute towards. It also acts as a useful place to hold all medical letters/reports etc., so that parents know everything is in one place.

Here is the front cover, although it looks better in colour on the real thing - including a space for your favourite photo!

Another recent project has been going into schools and talking to different year groups about the importance of wearing bike helmets when cycling. In many countries it is illegal to ride your bike without wearing a helmet, and the Child Brain Injury Trust believes it should be the case in Britain as well, especially for those under 16. In the North East we have teamed up with Headway and are presenting the facts to young people of all ages (6-18) along with demonstrations using eggs and polystyrene helmets. Last week we spoke to over 1,000 pupils in total, which is quite a feat. However prevention is the key here, and we hope that in doing these talks, not only will they be more aware of road safety, but also be more tolerant and accepting of other pupils who may have had a brain injury, and need that bit more support.

Check in next time for more Child and Family Support updates!

Your comments please

2011-07-11T13:43:00.000+01:00

We would love to hear your comments about our website, social media and of course our blog. Please send your comments via this blog and we'll do our best to meet your expecations.

Also if you have an idea for a blog or you would like to write a diary or some poetry, please let us know by contacting us.

We are always looking for inspirationals stories and expereinces that may help families through uncertain times, so please get in touch.

Thanks for your support and enjoy the summer

Play it Safe this Summer

2011-07-11T11:51:00.000+01:00

As schools break up and children go out on their bikes, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards, the risk of head injuries among youngsters rises. The Child Brain Injury Trust estimates that during the summer holidays the number of head injuries among children will increase by 30%.

“A rise in head injuries and accidents is hardly surprising with many more children out and about during the summer holidays,” admits Lisa Turan, Chief Executive Officer of the Child Brain Injury Trust (http://www.childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/). “But what IS surprising is the amount of children who set out for summer fun without wearing any protective head gear. Youngsters don’t think about the risk of brain injury when they jump on their bikes or head to the skate park. But if they saw some of the children we support whose lives have changed in a split second through acquiring a brain injury, they would definitely think again,” she says.
Play It Safe
One of the best ways to avoid a brain injury is to guard against the most common causes. Wearing a protective helmet could absorb up to 63% (Thomas S, Acton CH, Nixon J, Battistutta D, Pitt WR, Clark R. BMJ, 1994) of the impact. That could make all the difference between a mild or serious brain injury, or between life and death.
“At the moment it isn’t law for children to wear a helmet while cycling and skateboarding so it’s hard for parents and carers to insist on children wearing a helmet,” says Sally Dunscombe, Director of the Brain Injury Group (http://www.braininjurygroup.co.uk/). “We would like to see the law changed but, until it is, we would strongly urge parents to reinforce these dos and don’ts for safer summer fun,” she says.
• DO wear a protective helmet when cycling, rollerblading, skate boarding or using a scooter
• DON’T dive headfirst into lakes, ponds or pools
• DO up your helmet properly BEFORE you move off, get onto a horse or start to zip wire
• DO tell an adult if you hit your head
• DON’T leave your friends if they hit their head (and DO tell their parents what happened as they may not recall it).
AHow to spot a brain injury
“A brain injury can be sustained even if your child doesn’t lose consciousness,” warns Neurologist and Consultant to the Brain Injury Group Professor Lindsay McLellan. “In some cases, a child can continue acting normally for hours before they show any symptoms,” he says. “If a child is knocked out it’s pretty obvious they should go to hospital,” he continues. “But if they bump their head in a playground or while mucking about in the garden and don’t lose consciousness but continue to feel unwell, it can be tricky to know whether they have a more serious injury,” says McLellan. “If they continue to experience one or more of these symptoms, seek medical advice,” he advises.
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Irritability and/or tearfulness
• Blurred vision/dislike of bright light
• Extreme tiredness
“If one of more of these symptoms is severe, go straight to hospital,” advises Professor McLellan. “But if the symptoms are milder or come on more gradually you should see your GP.”

If you have been affected by brain injury, the braininjurygroup.co.uk provides comprehensive support services for brain injured individuals and their families.

The Child Brain Injury Trust is a national charity that provides support for families following childhood acquired brain injury.

Find out more at childbraininjurytrust.org.uk or call the helpline 0845 601 4939 (helpline@cbituk.org).

Wimbledon

2011-06-20T13:10:00.000+01:00

TENNIS

Conferences and events from UKABIF

2011-06-15T12:44:00.002+01:00

Badby Park has organised a half day programme focusing on inside perspectives on Critical Care and Brain Injury Care on June 29th.

Speakers include:

· Professor Keith Willett: National Clinical Director for Trauma Care, Professor of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery at Oxford University, Founder Kadoorie Centre for Critical Care Research and Education ‘Impact of Regional Networks on Trauma and Rehabilitation’

· Dr Nicola Brain:Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Derby Foundation Hospitals Trust ‘Planning and Delivering Patient Outcomes from the Time of Diagnosis’

· David Henderson-Slater: Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Oxford Centre for Enablement ‘Managing the Long Term Consequences of Head Injury – A Medical Perspective’

Refreshments will be provided throughout the morning and the Conference will conclude with a Lunch served (weather permitting) within our impressive grounds This half day seminar promises to be informative and insightful at a time of great change within the NHS and the care sector at large. Attendees will be able to pose questions to distinguished key individuals at the heart of the changes within the NHS. Spaces are limited so please call to book your place now. There will be no charge made but a collection will be made on behalf of a brain injury/physical disability charity.

For any enquiries please contact Trish Doherty Trish.Doherty@badbypark.co.uk. Places are limited - please call today to book your place.

The National Brain Injury Centre St Andrew’s Healthcare, Northampton is holding an open day on Tuesday 5th July, 2011 designed to give an overview of the holistic service provided for young people with brain injuries.

The Elgar unit is the first dedicated brain injury rehabilitation service for adolescents and will be officially opened on the day by Professor Nick Alderman. The open day includes a half day program of speakers and a tour of the unit.

Contact for details: kseabrook@standrew.co.uk 01604 616 767

The fourth international conference from The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) will look at the latest developments and strategies for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with acquired brain injury.

The first day’s plenary sessions will provide an opportunity to hear international speakers present their latest research and theories.

Day two is devoted to symposia and practical “hands on” workshops, enabling delegates to participate in debate, discussion, learn new techniques and share good practice.

Inspiring excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation will give delegates new ideas, approaches and inspiration to use in their work with people with acquired brain injury.

Full programme details and a booking form can be found here http://www.birt.co.uk/content.asp?page_id=214 or contact Frances Pitwell on 01924 224472 or email frances.pitwell@thedtgroup.org. Discounted rates are available until the end of June.

The 3rd Annual UKABIF Conference takes place on 10th November in Birmingham This conference provides a comprehensive annual update for all those working in the field of acquired brain injury and rehabilitation. Speakers are drawn from our international network and focus on a range of topical subjects. Add to this a lively exhibition and fabulous networking opportunities and you have an unmissable event.

Book now online at: http://www.ukabif.org.uk/ukabif-annual-conference - early bird rates are available until the ene of June.

headsmart campaign - launches http://www.headsmart.org.uk/home/

2011-06-08T14:06:00.000+01:00

http://www.headsmart.org.uk/home/

The new launch of a campaign is urging parents to know the warning signs of brain tumors, which are considered to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in children.

In one year, 500 children and young people will develop brain tumor and a quarter of all child cancers occur in the brain.

Warning signs include fits, recurring vomiting and headaches, blurred vision, abnormal eye movements and trouble seeing. A child may also experience troubles with coordination and balance, as well as fatigue and other behavioral changes.

The campaign, HeadSmart is a joint project with the Children’s Brain Tumor Research Center at the University of Nottingham, the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health and the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumor Trust.

In Britain, it has been reported that it can take as much as three times longer to get a correct diagnosis for a brain tumor than places such as the US and Canada.

Professor David Walker from the Children’s Brain Tumor Research Center states: “The longer the delay between symptoms onset and diagnosis, the greater the risk of early death and the greater the risk of brain injury which may not subsequently fully recover”.

The campaign hopes to promote awareness for parents to be aware of the warning signs of a brain tumor in efforts to reduce the risk of cancer or brain damage.

Kelly-Ann's story

2011-05-20T10:04:00.001+01:00

Girl, 15, whose skull was crushed in horrific riding accident is back on her horse after making miraculous recovery Kelly-Ann suffered a huge rip across the bone of her forehead Lucky teenager says 'I just saw it as a bit of a blip'.

Kelly-Ann Challinor's face was crushed after her horse fell on top of her six years ago. She is riding and competing again

A 15-year-old whose whole face was pushed into her skull in a horrific horse riding accident has made a miracle recovery - and is even competing in national eventing competitions.

Kelly-Ann Challinor was just nine when she went out riding on her friend's horse, which reared up unexpectedly and landed on top of her.

The force of the fall left her with multiple fractures to her jaw, cheekbones, eye orbits, nose and skull.

Doctors warned Kelly-Ann's devastated parents that she could die from her injuries and would have severe brain damage even if she survived.

But the youngster was back in the saddle just three months later and is now competing in the British Riding Club Junior National Eventing Championships.

Mother Carol, from Exning, Suffolk, recalled the harrowing incident from April 2005.

She said : 'I honestly didn't believe it was my daughter lying there. It was the most horrific thing - her face was completely crushed.

'One of her eyes looked like it was coming right out. There was blood coming out of her nose and her ear and she was thrashing around.

'It seemed the pony had reared up, gone over backwards and its head had hit Kelly in the face.
'It was just the most awful thing I've ever seen. I heard someone saying 'Kelly, breathe' and I knew something was majorly wrong.

'It wasn't until we got to the hospital that it really hit me and then my wheels just fell off. I was convinced that, if she survived, she would be severely brain damaged.

'When she looked at herself in the mirror and didn't say a word; the tears just rolled silently down her cheeks.

'But she's amazed us all with her recovery. To be honest, we couldn't be more proud.'

Kelly-Ann was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where doctors performed emergency surgery in an attempt to save her life.

A team of 15 medics placed Kelly-Ann into a five-day coma and carried out a series of x-rays which revealed that her face had been pushed back into her skull.

Amongst the most serious injuries was a huge rip across the bone of her forehead and a split at the base of her skull.

Kelly-Ann is pictured in hospital with her brother Robert and her mother Carol after her riding accident. Doctors thought Kelly-Ann was sure to have brain damage Kelly-Ann's father Noel, 42, said: 'Those fractures occurred either side of her riding hat.

'If she hadn't been wearing that everything in between would have been crushed too. Without a doubt that hat saved her life.'

As the swelling in Kelly-Ann's head subsided doctors planned a complex three-hour operation to reconstruct her flattened face.

Surgeons inserted metal plates into her forehead and cheekbone before pulling her bones back into place and securing them with metal wires.

3D CT scan of Kelly-Ann's skull: The youngster suffered a huge rip across the bone of her forehead.

Kelly-Ann suffered some eye problems and needed a second operation on her sinuses but has astonished experts by slowly making a full recovery.

Kelly-Ann was finally discharged from hospital last year and is now able to focus again on competing in horse riding events.

She came fifth in the Junior Novice trials at the British Riding Club Junior National Eventing Championships last summer and hopes to become a three-day event rider.

Kelly-Ann said: 'I actually don't remember anything about it, not a thing.

'To start with I thought I was having a dream. I dreamt I was flying then I heard all these voices around me.

'I woke up and all my hair was gone. It sounds silly but that seemed really awful. That was one of the worst moments, second only to removing the plaster from my head.

'The nurses let me do it myself, it was so painful and it took me forever.

'For months I couldn't bathe or dress or walk unaided. I had to literally crawl up the stairs.

'As well as having a headache I was really dizzy, so I couldn't even walk in a straight line. Going from being a really sporty person to that was a bit of a shock.

'But I just saw it as a bit of a blip, which meant I couldn't ride for a while. For me it's always been horses ever since I started riding at about five or six.'

Cerebra Awards 2011

2011-05-03T13:40:00.004+01:00

After the triumphant success of last year’s Children Awards held at London Zoo we are very proud to announce that nominations for 2011 are now open.

This year’s event will be held at in a magnificent Cotswold’s country house hotel situated in South Gloucestershire. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland with its own arboretum, this luxury Cotswold’s hotel will host a gala dinner for our award winners. The event will take place on Monday 24th October 2011.

If you would like to nominate a member of your family or someone you know, please send a 3 minute video nomination, or written nomination to: Melanie Dean, Cerebra Awards 2011, Second floor Offices, The lyric Building, King Street, Carmarthen SA31 1BD.

The deadline date for nominations is the 1st June 2011. This year, for the first time, we are encouraging short video nominations (no more than 3 minutes) that tell the story behind the nomination. Please give as much detail as to who you are nominating, their name, their age and why you feel they should be given the award. We regret to inform that we cannot return any video footage or photographs.

To find out more information regarding different categories and our terms and conditions please visit our website http://www.cerebra.org.uk/ or Contact Melanie Dean on 01267 242556 or by email at melanied@cerebra.org.uk

Many thanks

MelanieDean

Children's Corner & Awards Coordinator

Tel: 01267 242 556

Email: MelanieD@cerebra.org.uk

www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk

2011-04-12T16:19:00.004+01:00

http://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/

Medicines for Children – Information for Parents

What is Medicines for Children?

Medicines for Children is a programme developed through a joint initiative by the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and WellChild. The Medicines for Children website provides information leaflets specifically about the use of medicines for children. They have been written for parents and carers but are also suitable for older children.

It was launched in spring 2009 with a small number of medicine sheets and the site has now grown to hold about 75 information leaflets on a range of different medicines.

Every medicine is supplied with a patient information leaflet which is written by the pharmaceutical company. However these leaflets are often written about the use of medicine by adults and are often very complex.

Medicines for Children therefore set out to produce easily understandable information leaflets for parents and carers. The leaflets are written by paediatricians and pharmacists, and reviewed by parents and carers like yourself. Leaflets will continue to be added to the website about other medicines relevant to children.

We want to make sure that our leaflets are accurate, well written, and useful to parents and carers. We use something called the Information Standard, to make sure that this happens. You can find out more about the Information Standard at http://www.theinformationstandard.org/.

Involving Parents

Parents editorial panel

Parents have been at the heart of this project from the very beginning and have directed paediatricians and pharmacists on how the information should be presented and what type of information should be included on each sheet. They have also been involved with the review and editing of new information, however as new sheets are being produced more parents are now urgently needed to be part of the editorial panel. You will not be asked to comment about the medicine itself, or the details of how and when it is given - it is simply a case of making sure that the information is understandable before it is made available on the website.

As we are now developing a new website to be launched later in 2011 we would also like parents to be involved in reviewing and evaluating the new site. This input will ensure that the new site is both practical and appealing.

We appreciate that your time is probably very limited and to make sure that your involvement is made as easy as possible and without committing you to attend any meetings the proposal is to use telephone and email to communicate with you.

If you decide to join the panel, we will email you draft information sheets from time to time and ask for your feedback within two weeks. Your suggestions will help us make sure the leaflets are helpful to parents and carers.

If you would like to get involved in this exciting project or have any questions about taking part then please contact:

Amy Wright

Family Networks Co-ordinator, WellChild

amywright@wellchild.org.uk

01242 530007

Baby Walkers - care - article from the Belfast Telegraph

2011-04-06T10:39:00.003+01:00

Baby walkers can do more harm than good, putting a child at risk of brain injury, according to doctors.

"Despite their name, baby walkers do not help a child learn to walk and, in fact, use of a walker can inhibit walking ability," wrote the doctors of Dublin's Temple Street Children's Hospital in the 'Irish Medical Journal'.

"In countries where baby walkers are used, there has long been controversy about their risks and benefits.

"Parents give various reasons for using walkers -- to keep the infant quiet and happy, to encourage mobility and provide exercise."

They pointed out that baby walkers are often used by parents and care-givers for children aged between five months and 15 months.

Most parents, the doctors said, think that a walker is a safe place to keep children entertained while they tend to other tasks, or they believe the walker will help a baby learn to walk.

"Babies who used walkers scored lower on locomotive development tests than babies who did not use walkers. Furthermore, use of a baby walker puts a baby at increased risk of injuries, which almost always occur to the head," they wrote.

"Given the high rate of injuries combined with their lack of tangible benefit for child-rearing, and the wide availability of safer alternatives, we question why they are allowed to be sold at all.

"In many European countries, baby walkers are linked to more injuries than any other type of nursery equipment, causing an unacceptably high number of severe falls, burns and scalds, and poisonings."

Speak Out For Change Experience Survey

2011-03-30T17:24:00.008+01:00

If you are affected by Acquired Brain Injury and living in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Neurological Conditions Network wants to hear about your experiences and the impact the condition has on you.

Are you a young person or an adult who is:

• living with a neurological condition;
• caring for someone with a neurological condition;
• in a family where someone has a neurological condition?

If so the Neurological Conditions Network is listening. Here's your chance to have your say-please take it.

The results gathered from this survey will help inform them of their priorities over the next year and will be shared with the people who plan, commission, and deliver services so that they can work to ensure that existing services in Northern Ireland meet your needs.

You can complete it online at the following address: www.speakoutforchange.net

For a paper copy and stamped addressed envelope please contact Julie Mawhinney, Tel: 02890 321313, email neurological.condtions@hscni.net

Or to download a paper copy here: Speak Out for Change Experience Survey- Paper Copy.pdf

Staff from the Neurological Conditions Network will be at the following locations to support you to complete the survey.

Ballymena Library - 28 March
Omagh Library - 31 March
Armagh Library - 5 April
Belfast Library - 6 April

Please do come along and take the opportunity to share your experiences.

No Win, No Fee - It's not all about ambulance chasing!

2011-03-29T14:28:00.001+01:00

The justice secretary Ken Clarke Radio 4 Today Programme ahead of a statement to MPs – to explain why he's going to curtail "no win, no fee" legal activity that encourages ambulance-chasing, dodgy claims and excessive fees for lawyers.

He is also taking a £350m axe to Legal Aid, notably the modest civil aid variety, a move that is causing grave distress to those who seek to promote access to justice for society's poorest.

So when no win, no fee was substituted, lawyers were instead allowed to double the fees claimed against the respondent when they won – a sharp incentive to do such work, knowing that a win would help pay for other cases lost.

What shouldn't be lost though between the wranglings of the government and the lawyers is the need for very specialised legal expertise for complex and often long term childhood acquired brain injury cases.

Families affected by this (often the poorer and less educated amongst us) have been dealt a double blow. Not only do they have to cope with the affects of the brain injury which include many hidden aspects (in other words, you don't see it physically), but they also now have to deal with the very real situation of cuts in service provision and the distinct possibility that they will have limited or no access to compensation, because lawyers will not take on their lengthy and complex cases.

Legal firms who support the work of the Child Brain Injury Trust, do so because they recognise the importance of the 'relationship' and the long term benefit it will bring to the family. We hope that these firms will continue to value the overall support these families need to enable them to move forward positively with their lives.

No Win, No Fee - it's not all about 'Ambulance Chasers'.

Using the law to challenge cuts

2011-03-16T23:32:00.009Z

Barrister Steve Broach sets out options for campaigners considering legal challenge.

Steve Broach, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, has today published a paper for campaigners – including parents and carers – who are considering challenging local service decisions using the law.

This paper, Using the Law to Fight the Cuts to Disabled Children’s Services, has been written in response to the deep concern that campaigners have expressed that many decisions are currently being taken to cut services for disabled children and families without proper consideration of what the law requires. It is designed to ensure that campaigners have the legal tools to ensure that even in a time of intense pressure on public finances the legal rights of disabled children and their families are respected.

Steve said 'When substantial cuts to services are proposed or announced families with disabled children often feel powerless to respond. However there are clear legal duties which must be complied with by public bodies which wish to cut services - and if these duties are ignored decisions may be overturned by the courts. I hope this paper helps give parent campaigners and others who are trying to defend disabled children's services some of the information they need to challenge these decisions.'

This paper will be followed in the Spring by a guide to the law for parents and carers which provides more detailed practical legal information to support conversations with local decision makers.

Big Lottery Fund News

2011-03-16T23:32:00.007Z

Five years ago, Theresa McKee got the knock on the door that every parent dreads. Her 5 year old son Jamie had been knocked down by a car and was left with multiple injuries including a serious head injury. Find out how the Child Brain Injury Trust made a difference to Theresa and her family thanks to the Big Lottery Fund in Northern Ireland.

Spending Review October 2010

2011-02-24T18:35:00.004Z

The Child Brain Injury Trust are concerned that the cumulative impact of a range of cuts and tax rises, including the VAT rise in January 2011, will have a real impact on families affected by childhood acquired brain injury who are only just getting by. Given the size of reductions in funding going to local authorities and the ending of many grants and benefits, we will be monitoring closely the cuts to local services that families rely on.

Families will be relieved that the DoH budget has been ring-fenced, but this alone does not hold any long term security for the future wellbeing of families in receipt of other benefits and support and could lead to an uncertain period ahead.

If you are concerned about the impact of the cuts on your family, please get in touch with us and let us know how the ‘spending review cuts’ may affect you and tell us your concerns and experience.

Remember, our Helpline offers support to anyone affected by childhood acquired brain injury, and our Child and Family Support Officers are available too. We also have partners who have specialist knowledge of welfare and benefits, so get in touch and we will do our best to help.

Lisa Turan CEO

Child Brain Injury Trust

Our Chairman joins in the fun

School Kids Get a Head for Cycle Safety

Warning from woman left brain damaged after binge accident - Health - Scotsman.com

Kids' brain injuries can cause lingering problems for years, study finds By Linda Carroll

Office Move

Digby Brown support us at the 9th World Congress on Brain Injury - Edinburgh 21 - 25 March 2012

still smiling

Day 9 of Challenge 21 - why am I doing this??

Day 8 - Challenge 21 - injured but keeping afloat!

7 Miles in and still going

Day 4 - cramps start to hit

Challenge 21 - Let the Challenge Begin

Cage Fight Boys

MP 'heads - up over Kids

Child and Family Support Update

Your comments please

Play it Safe this Summer

Wimbledon

TENNIS

Conferences and events from UKABIF

headsmart campaign - launches http://www.headsmart.org.uk/home/

Kelly-Ann's story

Cerebra Awards 2011

www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk

Baby Walkers - care - article from the Belfast Telegraph

Speak Out For Change Experience Survey

No Win, No Fee - It's not all about ambulance chasing!

Using the law to challenge cuts

Big Lottery Fund News

Spending Review October 2010

Kids' brain injuries can cause lingering problems for years, study finds
By Linda Carroll