The brain injury survivor is working with the University of Kent's PhD group

Louisa Peachey joined a research group to help other survivors of traumatic brain injury

BBC A woman with long fair hair looks at a camera. She is elegantly dressed. She is in a simple room, sitting next to a tall green plant. — Louisa Peachey joined a research group to help other survivors of traumatic brain injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor from Kent said it took more than six months before she could move without vomiting.

Louisa Peachey, from Tenterden, was injured in a football accident in 2021 when her teammates collided with her and landed on top of her.

He hit his head on the ground and spent a week in the hospital, but the moderate TBI he suffered had a lasting impact.

She said she lost her memory and cognitive ability but that the “worst part” was having “constant headaches for five years”.

Mrs Peachey said: “I couldn’t work out sequences to do things like make a cup of tea or drive, my ability to walk was affected.

“But the worst part was the pain. It feels like it’s in the brain, but it’s actually radiating from the bottom down.”

Ms Peachey shared her story with a group of survivors who have suffered injuries from accidents, assaults or falls.

They met at the University of Kent in Canterbury to help Karen Saunders with her PhD research, with the hope of improving outcomes for those with similar injuries.

Karen Saunders leads a PhD research group into the long-term health impact of traumatic brain injury

A woman with brown hair, brown fringe and a white T-shirt sits in a university lecture hall. Behind her are desks and chairs facing a white board. — Karen Saunders leads a PhD research group into the long-term health impact of traumatic brain injury

Ms. Saunders said all of the moderate-to-severe TBI survivors she studied were readmitted to the hospital within six months of discharge.

She said the data “definitely tells us that their health needs are not being addressed well enough.”

Dr. Mohamed Sakel, a neuro-rehabilitation specialist, said trauma injuries are particularly complex.

Dr. Mohamed Sakel is chairman of the charity Kent Brain Injury Forum

A man in a white shirt and blue blazer sits in a university lecture hall. He is surrounded by chairs and tables facing a white board. — Dr. Mohamed Sakel is chairman of the charity Kent Brain Injury Forum

He said: “If there is an injury to one small part, the rest of the brain can try to make new connections, new networks and still compensate.

“But if the whole network is affected, unfortunately, it’s very difficult for that patient to function.”

Ms Saunders believes her research will change the way patients in recovery receive treatment and support.