The normal trajectory after a brain injury is for the person to demonstrate a gradual improvement in cognitive functioning over the first two years. Following this the person often reaches a plateau and limited further cognitive improvement is observed.
Occasionally, a clinically significant deterioration in cognitive functioning may be observed after some months or years following brain injury. This suggests a new problem and factors responsible for this deterioration may include:
- Potential Subsequent Complications of ABI.
- Superimposed Systemic Illness.
- Psychiatric Illness.
- Side Effects of Medication.
Where no other obvious cause is identified, the possibility of new and unrelated intracranial pathology (e.g. stroke, dementia, brain tumour) should always be considered.
Please also refer to the following section of the website for information on possible causes of confusion in the early stages following Acquired Brain Injury.