Brain Injury

• is damage to the brain, caused by either an external physical force (traumatic brain injury) or an internal event (acquired brain injury)
• is non-progressive but complex and can cause a wide range of functional changes that can cause physical, cognitive, social and vocational changes that can affect a person for a short period of time or permanently
• caused by trauma, effects 1.4 million people yearly in the United States and at least 5.3 million Americans have a long-term need for help performing activities of daily living as a result
• is mostly by falls (28%) and motor vehicle accidents (20%) for civilians; blasts are the leading cause for active duty military personnel in war zones

Potential Deficit Areas

• the area and extent of damage will result in a wide range and severity of physical, cognitive, sensory, and intra and interpersonal problems that may include:
• Impaired coordination, motor control and strength in arms, legs and or their trunk
• Impaired attention, sequencing, problem solving, decision making, and memory
• Difficulty learning and/or relearning skills
• Visual, hearing and perceptual deficits
• Initiation or inhibition control
• Depression, anxiety and behavioral control problems
• Speech and language deficits

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle, wheelchair lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle
• A driving evaluation will be needed to determine if the person has the cognitive, visual, perceptual and physical ability to return to driving or learn to drive safely. (www.aded.net)
• This driving evaluation will determine if the individual will be able to drive or not and what if any type(s), of driving equipment they he/she need.

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair stowage lift and/or transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift
• Adaptive driving equipment specifically recommended for their individual physical abilities and custom fit by a certified technician
• Equipment will vary widely person to person