ABI can be caused by traumatic events such as accidents, assaults, neurosurgery, or head injuries, or non-traumatic events like stroke, brain tumours, infection, poisoning, hypoxia, ischemia, encephalopathy, or substance abuse.
ABI can lead to cognitive, physical, emotional, or behavioural impairments that result in permanent or temporary changes in functioning. These impairments can vary widely in their effects, making each case of ABI unique.
Common symptoms can include headaches, convulsions or seizures, slurred speech, loss of coordination, poor memory, and difficulty with word finding, visual tracking issues, and physical fatigue.
The severity of an ABI can range from mild to severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries may only affect brain cells temporarily, while more severe injuries can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding, and other physical damage to the brain, potentially leading to long-term complications or death.
Treatment for ABI is individualised due to the variety of mechanisms of injury and structures affected. It often involves a multi-disciplinary approach, although more research is needed to understand the ideal type and parameters of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of acquired brain injuries.
In some cases, mild traumatic brain injuries may require no treatment other than rest and over-the-counter pain relievers to treat a headache. However, moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may require emergency care, medications, and possibly surgery.
Rehabilitation is often necessary following an ABI, with the goal of improving the patient’s ability to perform daily activities. This may involve relearning basic skills such as walking or talking
The long-term effects of ABI can be complex, affecting an individual’s personality, relationships, and ability to lead an independent life.
In summary, Acquired Brain Injury is a complex condition with a wide range of causes and effects, requiring individualised treatment and often long-term rehabilitation.