Acquired Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is caused by any damage to the brain that happens after birth. Because the brain controls how we move, think, feel and connect with others, an injury can affect almost every part of a person's daily life. According to Brain Injury Australia , brain injury results in a deterioration in cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning. The effects of ABI are wide‑ranging, and every person with an ABI experiences different types of symptoms and levels of severity. What are the common causes of a brain injury? Brain injuries can be caused in a number of different ways, from a sudden blow to the head to infections, strokes or long‑term health conditions. When an ABI occurs , it may bruise or tear brain tissue, reduce blood or oxygen supply, cause swelling, or leave scarring that interrupts how the brain sends messages through the body. Traumatic brain injury due to accidents or injuries This is what comes to mind for most people when thinking about

An acquired brain injury (ABI) can change many parts of a person's life – how they think, move, feel, and connect with others. While the experience is often challenging, getting the right diagnosis and support can make a big difference. Depending on your situation, there are options available to help you recover skills, build independence, and keep doing the things you value most. How is an ABI diagnosed? A diagnosis helps confirm the injury and gives health professionals an idea of what the possible long-term effects might be. These predictions (or prognoses) aren't always certain, so it's natural for the person and their loved ones to feel frustrated and unsettled during this stage. Because there are many types of brain injury, there's no single approach to diagnosis. Diagnosis usually happens in hospital and may involve tests and scans such as: MRI or CT scans to look for bleeding, swelling or structural changes in the brain EEG to record the brain's electrical activity PET sca

Living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can profoundly reshape everyday life. From physical limitations to emotional and cognitive challenges, no two journeys are the same. This is a practical guide for those navigating life after a brain injury, whether you're living with a brain injury yourself, caring for someone who is, or working as an independent support worker. It also shows how support services , like those available through Mable, can help restore independence, connection and quality of life. Key takeaways for living with an acquired brain injury Daily life with a brain injury can involve physical, cognitive and emotional challenges such as memory issues, fatigue and difficulty with emotional regulation. Recovery looks different for everyone. Goal setting, adaptive routines and ongoing support help individuals regain independence at their own pace. Structured routines and consistent support promote stability including re-learning tasks,

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is caused by damage to the brain that happens after birth, such as a blow to the head or a stroke. Because the effects of ABI are incredibly diverse, there are many different strategies to treat and manage them. According to Brainlink , 30% of people who sustain a brain injury will be left with a significant and permanent disability. This can redefine a person's world, making treatment and management strategies crucial for readjusting to everyday life. What can cause an acquired brain injury? ABI can occur in anyone, from infants to older people. Causes of an acquired brain injury include: Sudden jolts to the head or blunt force trauma, such as concussions, car accidents, falls, assaults, and sports injuries. These are called traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Lack of oxygen to the brain, for example, from near drowning, drug overdose or cardiac arrest Brain tumours and brain cancer Strokes Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis Alcohol‑related br

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any damage to the brain that happens after a person is born. Because the brain is the body's control centre, even small areas of damage can have wide‑ranging effects on movement, thinking, emotions, personality and behaviour. The way an ABI affects someone's life is shaped by the type of injury, how severe it is, and the part of the brain that's been injured. Depending on the cause, an ABI might bruise or tear brain tissue , reduce blood or oxygen supply, cause swelling, or leave scarring that interrupts how the brain sends messages. For example, a stroke can cut off oxygen to part of the brain, while a blow to the head can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare , about one in 45 Australians live with an ABI that limits their daily activities or participation. While ABI is often considered a disability in itself, it is different from an intellectual disab

Returning to work after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can feel like standing at the base of a mountain you used to climb with ease. The view is familiar, but the path forward is different. Every brain injury recovery is unique. For some, returning to work happens swiftly. For others, it's a gradual process involving rehabilitation, support networks and trial-and-error. This guide walks through the challenges, strategies and available supports that can help you (or someone you support) find purpose and independence at work again. Key takeaways on returning to work after a brain injury Returning to work after traumatic brain injury is achievable with tailored, person-first support. Recovery looks different for everyone - some people return quickly, while others take months or years. Fatigue, memory difficulties and anxiety are common challenges when working with brain injury. Strategies like phased re-entry, employer communication and routine building can help boost your success. Sup