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Acquired Brain Injury

Understanding Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an umbrella term given when damage to the brain has occurred as a result of various different causes such as accident or trauma, stroke, tumour, infection, poisoning or toxins, hypoxia or anoxia, alcohol or substance abuse, or degenerative neurological diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

This condition can affect people in different ways due to the varying range of causes. Effects may be mild or profound, and may involve physical, behavioural, sensory, cognitive or intellectual impacts. Brain injury is often considered a ‘hidden disability’ as its effect can be difficult to recognise.

Treatment and management strategies are required to be diverse and adaptable, which is why MSWA is dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey and your daily needs.

Our comprehensive range of services is designed to empower you to live life the way you want and not be bound by limits, whatever your goals may be.

Symptoms of Acquired Brain Injury

Some people may have physical symptoms, including: 

  • Weakness, shaking, stiffness or poor balance
  • Tiredness
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Seizures
  • Headaches
  • Changes in vision, smell or touch

Some people may experience changes in their thinking or learning abilities, including: 

  • Problems with memory
  • Problems with concentration or attention 
  • Difficulty with planning or organization
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty with communication

Some people may have behavioural or emotional regulation problems, including: 

  • Mood swings
  • Being irritable or feeling on edge
  • Changes in personality

Common causes of acquired brain injury

  • Accidents/Trauma

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs as the result of some external force being applied to the brain.

     
  • Stroke

    Stroke usually occurs as the result of a haemorrhage or blockage to the blood vessels supplying blood vessels to the various regions of the brain.

     
  • Tumour

    Tumours cause damage to the surrounding brain tissue and structures as they grow within the brain. 

     
  • Infection

    Bacterial or viral infections can lead to an inflammation of the brain covering (meningitis) or the brain tissue itself (encephalitis).

     
  • Alcohol or Substance Abuse

    Alcohol and substances act as a toxin and the long-term misuse of either or both can cause damage to brain tissue.

     
  • Hypoxia/Anoxia

    Hypoxia/anoxia refers to reduced or complete stopping of the flow of oxygen to the brain leading to injury to brain tissue, which can be caused by overdoses, failed hangings, or near drowning.

     
  • Degenerative Neurological Diseases

    Conditions such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease are caused by abnormal changes to brain cells in particular regions of the brain. 

     

Living with Acquired Brain Injury/Whats happens next?

Whether you've been diagnosed with acquired brain injury recently or sometime in the past, MSWA is here to provide you with vital support and services throughout your neurological condition journey. Your wellbeing, safety and comfort is top priority – we offer flexible services via phone or video call, in a safe way in your home and/or in a safe way in our Centres. 

The range of services we offer include counselling, dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, in-home care and social welfare.

Contact us

For more information to see how we can best help you and to contact us, visit our Get Support page.

Alternatively, call us on 1300 097 989 (metropolitan WA) or 1800 287 367 (regional WA).

Additional Resources and Support

Please see below for some resources you may find useful: 

 

Other sources to reference:

Information on this webpage was partly obtained from the below official resources.