Memory difficulties are one of the most common problems after a traumatic brain injury or head injury. Memory works in several stages and difficulties may occur when some or all of these stages are compromised by injury:

• An individual may have difficulty holding information as they hear it because they have difficulties concentrating or attending.

• Difficulties may occur when the individual is processing information.  The information needs to be held, processed, and then stored.

• The individual may be able to hold and store the information, but then not be able to access it.

Following an acquired brain injury the long term memory often remains intact, but there is a problem with short term memory and storing new memories. Remembering the right words and word finding difficulties may also be a common problem following brain injury.

Using strategies to facilitate memory

• Get into a routine so things become a habit.

• Use your Diary!!! This is probably the most important piece of equipment.  Get in the habit of checking it several times a day. Write everything you need to remember. Put lists down the side of the page and tick the things off as you do them.  Put the diary somewhere obvious so you can see it.

• Have systems for everything - have a filing system for paperwork, use calendars, lists, sticky notes, noticeboards, set the alarm on your mobile phone as a reminder.
  

• Always put things in the same place – diary, keys etc.