Helping brain injured children and their families
Wood, S.J.
Professional Care of Mother and Child 8(5): 137-138
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0964-4156 PMID: 10197018 Document Number: 486797
For many brain injured children, whether the injury is congenital or the result of subsequent illness or accident, there is little to be done to put right the underlying problem. Treatment programmes, however, can encourage better motor and cognitive function and better nutrition. NHS continuing care for brain injured children is under-resourced, often amounting to only half an hour of physiotherapy fortnightly or even monthly. The British Institute for Brain Injured Children (BIBIC) is a registered charity which exists to help families with a brain injured child to learn to apply simple, practical, inexpensive treatment programmes themselves, in their own homes. Initial assessments and training take place at the BIBIC Centre in Somerset. Families are asked to contribute towards costs if they are in a position to, but treatment does not depend on ability to pay. Treatment sessions often last about 30 minutes and families may be advised to carry out two or more sessions every day. Telephone help and continuing support is available from BIBIC, and families are encouraged to retain contact with their GP and hospital consultants, and local services.