Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Since the person looks good physically, everything must be OK!
Fact
A person with a brain injury may show no physical signs of disability. However, the ability to learn might have changed.
Fiction
A person who has a sever brain injury will have a serious or permanent disability.
Fact
The severity of the brain injury does not always predict long-term outcome. Recovery from a brain injury is very different from a broken bone. Persons with minor brain injuries can have serious disabilities, and those with serious injuries can have good recoveries. Each injury is different.
Fiction
After six months, a person with a brain injury won't get any better.
Fact
There is no timetable for recovery. Changes may be most rapid during the first six months after injury, but progress may continue at a slower rate for many months and years.
Fiction
A brain injury erases memory.
Fact
Many people have post-traumatic amnesia and can't remember events right before or after the injury. People with brain injuries tend to retain information learned prior to the injury. It is learning new information that is a common problem.