Cognitive impairment is NOT the same as intellectual disability

It seems common for people to (incorrectly) assume that brain injury, causing cognitive impairment, is the same as intellectual disability. The extent of the injury will be dependent on the location of injury.

In saying this, I do not presume to speak for the next person with a brain injury. But, I can attest to this, for myself.

Brain surgery to treat hydrocephalus requires placement of a shunt OR, performing an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV). The entry point for the neurosurgeon depends on the type of surgery. They may need to enter from the front of the skull. Alternatively, they enter from the rear. They work their way through brain matter or within the ventricles.

Whilst doing so, there are risk factors arising from any complications during said surgery, adding to the complexity of the procedure, and outcome. The areas of the brain a neurosurgeon ends up going through, will determine the impact and degree of the injury, which is bound to occur. Some neurological deficits may be short term, and others may be long term, or permanent.

Time will tell…

The brain map on this page has provided validation of my struggles. It has been helpful to understand the damage done with each surgery I have had to endure.

Knowing this has been key for someone like myself. It helped me understand, recognise and determine the best *strategies to deal with the deficits. A much needed piece of the acceptance process.

*Strategies are something I work at constantly, on a daily basis.

If you’re struggling with the impacts of a brain injury, I highly recommend you gain the knowledge and understanding of the type of injury your brain has sustained. Learn about the impact thereof, if only for your own sanity. It’ll help you make sense of any cognitive and/or physical struggles you may be experiencing.

Being cognitively impaired is not an ideal situation. However, I take great comfort in knowing my intellect is still very much intact! It propels me forward and keeps me going. It ensures I am able to help myself. Unfortunately, external support remains painfully elusive.

The “joys” of an invisible disability; when you look fine on the outside, surely you must be.