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Acquired brain injury
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Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. It can include damage sustained by infection, disease, lack of oxygen or a blow to the head. Around 160,000 Australians are coping with some form of acquired brain injury, with more men (2.2 per cent) affected than women (1.6 per cent). Most people with ABI can expect to improve with treatment and support.
How brain injury occurs
Brain injury can occur in the following ways:
- Sudden onset - caused by trauma, infection, lack of oxygen (for example, during near drowning or suicide attempts), strokes or drug use episodes.
- Insidious onset - from prolonged alcohol or substance abuse, tumours or degenerative neurological diseases.
A range of causes
Acquired brain injury is any damage to the brain that happens after birth. The specific symptoms or losses of functioning depend on which brain areas are affected. Some of the causes include:
- Alcohol or drugs - which can poison the brain.
- Disease - such as AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
- Lack of oxygen - called anoxic brain injury (for example, injury caused by a near drowning).
- Physical injury - such as an impact to the head, which may occur in car or sporting accidents, fights or falls.
- Stroke - when a blood vessel inside the brain breaks or is blocked, destroying the local brain tissue.
How brain injury affects a person
The long term effects of brain injury are difficult to predict. They will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. It is common for many people with ABI to experience increased fatigue (mental and physical) and some slowing down in the speed with which they process information, plan and solve problems. They may experience changes to their behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning.
The brain
The brain is the powerhouse of the body, even though it only makes up two per cent of the body’s weight. This soft, jelly-like organ has countless billions of neural cross-connections. It functions using a combination of electrical and chemical means. The brain oversees the workings of the body, while its higher functions give us consciousness and personality. The brain is divided into two halves, the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. Each hemisphere is further subdivided into lobes. Different functions are governed by different parts of the brain, which is suspended in a chemical ‘soup’ called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid nourishes the brain and serves as a shock absorber. The brain is connected to the rest of the body via the spinal cord. Together, the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system.
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not the same as head injury, since a person can sustain damage to the face, scalp and skull without necessarily injuring their brain. TBI is considered a form of acquired brain injury, and refers to brain damage caused by an impact to the head. When the head is heavily struck, the brain slams violently against the inside of the skull, causing physical injuries such as bruising, swelling, bleeding, twisting or tearing of tissue. There are degrees of injury, ranging from a momentary loss of consciousness (which can happen from, say, a punch to the face) to a long term bout of unconsciousness or coma.
Treatment and care
A range of tests, including x-rays and CT brain scans, can help pinpoint the exact areas of damage. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Recovery depends on the extent and location of the brain damage, the age and general health of the individual, the speed of first aid received and the quality of treatment.
The consequences of a person having an ABI are far reaching. Coming to terms with any loss of functioning and going through the rigours of rehabilitation can be difficult. The person with an ABI will have great distress. Family, friends and partners will also experience difficulties as they deal with the emotional and practical burdens, the interruptions to family life and role changes.
An ABI can affect intimate relationships, friendships, social networks, recreational and vocational activities. It may force the person themselves and their immediate family to adapt to a completely new way of life and new kinds of relationships.
Caring for someone who has had a brain injury may bond a family closer together. It may also impose enormous burdens on the family, which may tear it apart. It will help if family members:
- Have enough information about the effects of ABI
- Appreciate the difficulties that might be encountered
- Understand that recovery is a slow process.
Survival for carers requires staying with the present, rather than brooding about how catastrophic the future may be; highlighting the strengths and daily achievements, rather than the weaknesses; making time to care for themselves; and being wise enough to ask for help when it is needed.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Neurologist (your doctor will refer you)
- BrainLink Tel. 1800 677 579
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation Unit, Epworth Hospital Tel. (03) 9426 6666
Things to remember
- Acquired brain injury refers to any type of brain damage that happens after birth.
- Causes of ABI include disease, blows to the head, alcohol and drug use, or oxygen deprivation.
- Coping with the consequences of acquired brain injury can be difficult for everyone, including family members.
You might also be interested in:
Alcohol.
Alcohol related brain impairment.
Brain explained.
Brain surgery.
Brain tumours - cancer.
Craniotomy.
Hydrocephalus.
Meningioma.
Multiple sclerosis explained.
Parkinson's disease.
Stroke is a brain attack.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Subdural haematomas.
Traumatic brain injury and sexual issues.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
BrainLink
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Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: August 2008
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Acquired brain injury - Better Health ChannelAcquired brain injury refers to any type of brain damage that happens after birth. Causes include disease, substance abuse, oxygen deprivation, infection or a blow to the head...
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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