Beyond Brain Injury
Life after brain injury
Life after ABI can present many challenges. A brain injury which occurs after birth is where the tissue of the brain has been damaged. It may result in subtle or severe changes in personality, cognition, interactions, physical abilities and sensory difficulties.
It can affect people’s lives, work and relationships. The type of brain injury depends on the cause, area of the brain injured and extent of the damage.
The road to improvement: keep on keeping on
Formal rehabilitation enables the person to regain as much as possible of their physical, cognitive and sensory abilities to function well in the world. Improvements can continue to happen beyond the time at rehab and whilst recovery can feel very slow, people can learn to adapt and find new ways of doing everyday activities with the right environment and the right supports over the long term.
An acquired brain injury may be caused by:
Trauma - such as motor vehicle, sport or work related accidents, shaken baby syndrome, falls, assaults, gunshot wounds, war injuries
Stroke - caused by a blockage or bleeding in the brain (learn more about stroke here)
Brain cancer or tumour - where brain tissue is impacted
Hypoxia / anoxia - a lack of oxygen to the brain eg heart attack, near drowning, self harm or severe asthma attack
Poisoning - from excessive alcohol, drugs or accidental exposure to harmful chemicals
Infection - leading to inflammation - eg meningitis or encephalitis
Diseases of the brain - eg Parkinsons.
After effects can include:
• Degrees of confusion
• Headaches and nausea
• Dizziness and balance issues
• Issues with memory, concentration and attention
• Trouble sleeping
• Problems with thinking and understanding
• Problems with speech and communication
• Possible changes to personality, behaviour or relationships
• Varying degrees of paralysis or weakness in the arms or legs
• Seizures or tremors
• Issues with eyesight
• Reduced sense of smell, touch, or hearing
• Less interest in hobbies, work and life in general
• Alone, isolated and losing contact with family and friends.
“You need someone that knows exactly what brain injury is and what it looks like. Why would we go anywhere else?
- Tracey”
*Source: AIHW, 2007
