In this guide:
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 disability or mental illness.
What can cause an acquired brain injury?
ABI can have many causes, including:
- Sudden jolts to the head or blunt force trauma, such as concussions, car accidents, falls, assaults, including domestic violence, and sports injuries. These are called traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Brain tumours and brain cancer
- Strokes
- Lack of oxygen to the brain, for example from near drowning, drug overdose or cardiac arrest
- Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Alcohol‑related brain injury (ARBI) and other drug‑related injuries
- Degenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from alcohol exposure in the womb.
Find out more about the causes of acquired brain injuries on Synapse.org.
What are the common effects of ABI?
The effects of ABI depend on the location, cause and severity of the injury. Symptoms can range from mild and temporary to severe and long‑lasting. Even when there are no outward physical signs, the changes in thinking, emotions or personality can be profound.
Common effects of brain injury include:
Cognitive
Challenges with attention, memory, decision‑making or problem‑solving. Some people may also experience perseveration, where they become 'stuck' on a thought or behaviour.
Physical
Fatigue and sleep difficulties, headaches or migraines, epilepsy and seizures, and balance or sensory problems.
Psychological
Anxiety, stress and depression. In some cases, this may lead to a dual diagnosis of ABI and a mental health condition.
Behavioural
Impulsivity, aggression or anger, and reduced self‑awareness.
What strategies and therapies can support recovery?
After the immediate medical care of a brain injury, the journey of recovery begins. Recovery can continue for years, sometimes decades, supported by persistence, effort and the right therapies.
A good rehabilitation plan is tailored to the person's needs and goals. It may include physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, pain management and psychology. Practical aids, from mobility supports to modified kitchen tools, can make daily life easier and help maintain independence. Other approaches, like brain health programs or therapy animals, can also support wellbeing.
Read more about the therapies and strategies for managing a brain injury.
Support for people with ABI and their families
The effects of ABI can ripple through families, friendships, workplaces and communities. While families and loved ones play a vital role in supporting a person with an ABI, extra support is often needed to fill in the gaps.
Independent support workers on Mable can provide support to help with many areas of life, including:
- Personal care and assistance with daily routines
- Help around the house, like cleaning and gardening
- Allied health services such as physiotherapy and speech pathology
- Transport to and from appointments, work and activities
- Help with managing memory issues, organisation and personal admin
- Social connection, hobbies and community participation.
Often, partners, parents or siblings may unexpectedly find themselves in a full‑time caring role. This can be stressful and overwhelming, even for the most devoted family member. That's why it's important to remember carers need support too. Mable support workers can provide respite care so carers can take time out for themselves and maintain their own wellbeing.
Find out more about the types of support you can find on Mable.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent advice about managing life with an acquired brain injury.