Lawrence Sanderson's wife, Charlene, points to a photo of an injury he suffered after an alleged assault at a Winnipeg care facility. (Family photo/CBC)A patient of Winnipeg's Riverview Health Centre was allegedly assaulted and injured by a health care aide on Wednesday night, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) officials confirmed on Thursday.

Lawrence Sanderson, 39, has been at the facility for the last month after suffering seizures that left him with a severe brain injury, according to his family.

His condition makes him prone to violent outbursts, his wife, Charlene said.

After he took a swing at the aide, the male aide swung back and allegedly hit Sanderson in the face, Charlene said.

His lip was cut and bleeding, she said.

"He can't even tell us what is going on — he is apparently cringing when other nurses walk by because he is scared," his brother, Tom Sanderson said. Charlene Sanderson admits Lawrence took the first swing that triggered the incident, but is furious that the health care aide allegedly swung back. (CBC)

"In his mind he is thinking he is going to get punched again," he added.

While the family said they haven't yet called police, the WRHA said the aide was suspended and placed on leave.

The health authority would not say if the leave was paid or unpaid.