The consequences of living with an often devastating brain injury have been brought to life in a new book which will have its Birmingham launch at the offices of Clarke Willmott LLP as part of the firm’s annual Brain Injury Conference on 29 September. Life After Encephalitis is the culmination of three years’ work for Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, and provides a unique insight into the experiences of those affected by the condition, showing how listening to patients and their families can help us understand how they make sense of what has happened to them.
The author will read excerpts from her book and take questions from the audience as part of a day-long conference exploring areas of interest to those supporting the survivors of brain injury, whether caused by traumatic events like road traffic collisions and accidents at work, or developed as a consequence of encephalitis or other neurological conditions.
Author Ava Easton said: “My aim has been to give a voice to the survivors of encephalitis and provide an insight into the experiences of those affected – be they survivors, family members, or those left bereaved.
“Their stories are heartfelt, at times distressing to witness, but also full of hope and inspiration.”
Her book is designed to help professionals better understand and engage with patients and their families, and is likely to appeal to a wide range of professionals working in neurology and rehabilitation, as well as to survivors, their families and carers.
The host conference has for its theme: ‘Why brain injury does not mean exclusion from real life.’
Serious injury expert lawyer Phil Edwards, who will chair the event, said: “Life goes on after brain injury – the good times, the bad times, the times of joy, the times of crisis – surviving brain injury does not stop these things from happening.
“This conference will provide practical advice on how to support brain injury survivors, their families and loved ones in a variety of real-life situations.”
Guest speakers include consultant Claire Field who specialises in helping parents work in the best interests of their children with brain injury, and Adam Western, a barrister from Citadel Chambers, who is vastly experienced in the criminal courts.
Phil Edwards said: “We’ll be taking a pragmatic approach to many of the difficult subjects which have to be addressed in the aftermath of brain injury.
“Issues covered will include how employers should support a return to work, what to do if they do not comply, and what support is available to brain injury survivors trying to continue to run their own business.
“We’ll also be addressing how to navigate the Care Act and how the criminal justice system deals with brain injury survivors, as well as some very personal issues such as capacity to marry, relationship breakdown and divorce, and maintaining contact with children.”
The conference will run from 10.00am to 4.30pm on Thursday 29 September at the offices of Clarke Willmott LLP, 138 Edmund Street, Birmingham.
