What Does An Acquired Brain Injury Mean?

An acquired brain injury commonly abbreviated as ABI is any damage to the brain that occurs after birth. Everything that we do, movement, thoughts, feelings, behaviour, is made by the brain, therefore when the brain is injured even in a small part of it they can be reflected in many aspects of our day to day life. The extent of the response of a person lies in the causation of the injury, the severity, and the location of the brain involved.

There are various ways in which an ABI may occur. The brain could be torn, swollen or bruised. There may be a decreased flow of blood or oxygen. This results in scar tissue that sometimes interferes with the mechanism of transmission of signals to various parts of the brain. As an example, a stroke may prevent oxygen supply to the brain cells and a blow to the head may cause the brain to move to the inside of the skull, resulting in bleeding or bruising.

According to reports provided by the Australian Institute of health and Welfare, approximately every 45 Australians has an acquired brain injury that impairs his or her daily life. ABI is not an intellectual disability or a mental illness as it is commonly known to have a disability although it may influence our thoughts and emotions.

What May Trigger An Acquired Brain Injury?

The causes of ABI may be numerous. There are those that occur impulsively and those that evolve.

These can include:

• One of the symptoms is a severe hit or shock to the head, whether it is caused by car accidents, falls, sport-related injuries, or through assault or family violence. They are referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Tumours or malignancies of the brain tissue.
• Stroke, which is the disruption of blood to the brain.
• Oxygen deprivation, which can occur in case of near drowning, drug overdose or cardiac arrest.
• Such infections as meningitis or encephalitis.
• Damage to the brain associated with chronic alcohol use (ARBI) or other drugs.
• Neurological processes of progressive nature like dementia or Parkinson.
• Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition that results due to prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Other organisations like Synapse Australia have all the information on the various causes and types of brain injury.

What Are The Typical Consequences Of Abi?

There are no two brain injuries that are identical. The transformations that occur on an individual are based on the location of the injury, the manner in which it took place and the severity. Other symptoms are weak and reside with time. Others can continue over several years. One may present physically fit but be undergoing significant shifts in thoughts or behaviour.

Typical locations of attack are:

Cognitive Changes

Memory problems, problems with attention, planning, decision-making, or problem-solving. There are also some individuals who can repeat something or think without any intentions, a tendency which is sometimes referred to as perseveration.

Physical Symptoms

Continued fatigue, sleeping difficulties, headaches, seizures or epilepsy, loss of balance or coordination. Light or noise sensitivity may also be experienced.

Emotional And Psychological Effects.

It is common to have anxiety, low mood, irritability or emotional swings and rises and falls. Other individuals also end up having depression or other mental health conditions in addition to their ABI.

Behavioural Changes

Being impulsive, getting frustrated or angry easily or not being so conscious of ones own behaviour and its impact on others.

Which Interventions And Treatments Can Be Used To Facilitate Healing?

After emergency treatment ends, then the process of recovery becomes a lengthier process. The development may go on to years, even decades. Things can be changed, and can improve slowly, with the correct encouragement and practise.

Treatment normally dwells on individual ambitions and day-to-day activity. A support plan might involve:

• Sports medicine to enhance strength, movement and balance.
• Communication or swallowing problem speech pathology.
• Occupational therapy to re-learn daily activities and be more independent.
• Psychological assistance to aid in regulation of feelings and adjustment.
• Pain control and follow-up medical where necessary.

Life can be also made easier with the help of practical tools. Independence can be facilitated by mobility aids, memory aids, labelled cupboards, modified kitchen equipment or assistive technology. Other individuals are helped by organised brain health schemes, imaginative treatment or even pets that assist in self-confidence and habit.

Aid To Individuals With Abi And Their Families

It is rare that brain damage is caused to one individual. It tends to spread its effects through the families, friendships, workplaces and communities. The loved ones sometimes get involved in caring roles without any earlier notice, something that can become cumbersome and tiresome with time.

In addition to the support of relatives, most individuals with ABI are assisted. The independent support workers may help with:

• Personal care and everyday activities.
• Domestic activities like cleaning or gardening.
• Getting to appointments, work or social trips.
• Physiotherapy or speech therapy- allied health services.
• Memory prompt and organisation and paper work assistance.
• Social life, holidaymaking and remaining in touch with the society.

Carers also need breaks. Respite support enables the family members to have some rest and pursue some work or take care of their wellbeing, which is critical to long-term caring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to get more information about ABI?

In Australia, education, recovery tips and family support resources can be found in organisations like Brain Injury Australia, Synapse Australia, BrainLink and Connectivity.

ABI and traumatic brain injury are synonymous?

No. Traumatic brain injury is one of the forms of ABI brought about by an external force. The strokes, infections, loss of oxygen, tumours and substance-related injuries are also included in ABI.

Is it possible to have a complete recovery following an ABI?

Healing is not the same to everybody. Others rediscover most of their functions, and some are permanently disabled. Since the brain is adaptive, the advancement could be over years.

Are ABI patients able to live independently?

It is true that a great number of people live alone or with little assistance. With the correct services, day-in, day-out activities, transportation and community activities are made much easier.

Is ABI covered by the NDIS?

In many cases, yes. ABI is considered a disability in NDIS when it leads to long term restrictions of functioning.

Who is eligible to receive NDIS?

An individual must be between 7 years and 65 years of age, reside in Australia and must have a permanent impairment which impacts seriously on his or her daily functioning.

What are the conditions required to access NDIS?

Allied health and medical reports normally have to demonstrate that the brain injury is permanent and it greatly impairs functional capacity.

Is the only one who is supported the person with ABI?

No. Support is also available to families and carers such as respite services, education and counselling to assist in the caring role.