Traumatic Brain Injury as an Invisible Disability: Institutional Barriers in Medical, Social and Financial Services in Finland

Olivia Emelie Engström (), Hisayo Katsui and Lieketseng Ned
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Olivia Emelie Engström: Disability Studies, Social and Public Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
Hisayo Katsui: Disability Studies, Social and Public Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
Lieketseng Ned: Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often experience unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of our research was to explore how the invisible aspects of traumatic brain injury affect the experiences of survivors of TBI in accessing the necessary medical, social, and financial assistance. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological inquiry, we purposefully sampled 11 participants who had experienced TBI when aged 13–27 for interviews. The time since their injuries ranged from 7 to 37 years. Three key themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and guidance in medical services, (2) lack of social service assistance, and (3) battles with insurance companies. Our findings show that, due to the hidden nature of TBI-related disabilities and a general lack of societal knowledge about TBI outcomes, survivors face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical, social, and financial services. This study underscores the critical need to address the challenges faced by youth survivors of TBI, as their injuries occur during a pivotal developmental phase when they are developing psychosocial skills, pursuing education, and transitioning into the workforce. Delays or lack of proper medical, social, and financial support hinder rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of these youth into society.

Keywords: traumatic brain injury (TBI); invisible disability; advocacy; phenomenology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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