Acquired Brain Injury: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Acquired Brain Injury

The brain is the control tower of your body. Directing emotions, actions, and thoughts. Now imagine that control tower disrupted by a sudden storm. That’s what happens with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

It’s not something you’re born with. But something that can happen to anyone, anytime. Due to a car accident, a fall, or even a medical condition like a stroke. It’s life-altering, challenging, and often misunderstood.

Today, let’s break it all down. What ABI is, what causes it, how to spot it, and the many ways it can be treated. Stick around to learn why ABI affects nearly 432,700 Australians. Making it a public health concern we cannot ignore.

What Is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

The Definition of ABI

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any form of brain damage that occurs after birth. Unlike conditions like cerebral palsy, which happen during birth. ABI develops later in life due to various factors. Acquired brain injury examples include trauma, strokes, infections, or even prolonged substance abuse.

The term is broad, covering both traumatic events, such as a blow to the head from an accident, and non-traumatic causes, such as a stroke or prolonged oxygen deprivation. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most common forms of ABI, often resulting from external forces like falls, motor vehicle collisions, or sports injuries. Non-traumatic brain injuries, on the other hand, may stem from internal issues like vascular disorders, infections, or neurotoxic damage caused by substance abuse.

From a medical perspective, ABI is characterized by disruptions to the brain’s structural integrity or its chemical balance. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to significant changes in cognition, behaviour, and physical abilities. Neurologists often describe the brain as remarkably resilient yet vulnerable—small insults to critical regions can cascade into widespread dysfunction.

Why Is ABI a Growing Concern?

More than 432,700 individuals live with a disability in Australia resulting from ABI. Hospitalization rates for head injuries exceed 140,000 annually. Reflecting the condition’s widespread impact. As the population ages, non-traumatic causes, particularly stroke, continue to rise, making ABI a pressing public health concern.

Who Does ABI Affect?

ABI doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone. However, certain groups are more at risk:

  • Young adults (16-24 years) are highly vulnerable, especially to traumatic brain injuries from road accidents or sports injuries.
  • Older adults (65+ years) face higher risks due to falls and strokes.
  • Men are more likely than women to experience ABI across all age groups.

Did you know? Nearly three-quarters of Australians living with ABI are under 65. This isn’t just a condition of old age. It impacts individuals in their prime working years. Affecting families and the economy alike.

How Common Is ABI in Australia?

Here’s where the numbers speak volumes:

  • Every four minutes, someone is hospitalised for a head injury.
  • Strokes result in approximately 37,000 cases of brain injury annually.
  • 142,000 hospitalizations occurred due to head injuries in 2020–21 alone.
  • 1 in 45 Australians (approximately 432,700 people) live with an ABI-related disability in Australia.
  • Motor vehicle accidents account for 70% of traumatic brain injuries, particularly in young adults aged 16–24 years.

ABI isn’t just a personal health issue. It’s a societal one. With over $2 billion spent annually on healthcare costs.

Types of Brain Injury: Traumatic vs. Non-Traumatic

ABI can be categorized into two main types. Understanding these distinctions helps in finding the right treatment and support for patients. Here’s a quick overview of the two major categories:

Type of Brain Injury

Cause

Examples

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Physical external forces (e.g., trauma)

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

Medical conditions or diseases

Strokes, infections, degenerative diseases

What are Acquired Brain Injury Causes?

Traumatic Causes (External)

  1. Falls: The leading cause in older adults and children.
  2. Assaults: Physical violence can cause severe brain damage.
  3. Car Accidents: Responsible for most traumatic brain injuries in young adults.

Non-Traumatic Causes (Internal)

  1. Strokes: The most common non-traumatic cause of ABI in Australia.
  2. Infections: Conditions like meningitis can severely damage the brain.
  3. Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug misuse can lead to brain injury over time.
  4. Lack of Oxygen (Hypoxia): Occurs during events like near-drowning or cardiac arrest.

Acquired Brain Injury Symptoms: What to Watch For

Symptoms of ABI can vary widely depending on the severity and part of the brain affected. Some may notice changes immediately after an injury. While others might experience subtle shifts over time.

Physical Symptoms

  • Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
  • Trouble with coordination or balance.
  • Chronic headaches or dizziness.

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Memory loss, especially short-term.
  • Difficulty focusing or multitasking.
  • Challenges with decision-making or problem-solving.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Mood swings or sudden emotional outbursts.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Feeling disconnected or apathetic.

Behavioural Changes

  • Increased aggression or irritability.
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities.

Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions. Which is why early diagnosis is crucial.

ABI Symptom Variability

The symptoms of ABI vary widely depending on the injury’s severity and location. For instance,

  • Damage to the frontal lobe impairs decision-making.
  • Injuries to the temporal lobe affect memory and emotional regulation.

How is Acquired Brain Injury Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Here’s what the process involves.

1. Clinical Evaluation

  1. Medical History Review

Doctors will ask about any previous injuries, medical conditions, and the events leading up to the injury. This helps them understand the context of the injury.

  1. Neurological Exams

These exams assess various functions, including:

      • Memory: Checking how well the patient can remember things.
      • Movement: Observing how well the patient can move their limbs.
      • Reflexes: Testing reflex actions to see if they are functioning normally.

2. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are essential for visualizing the brain and identifying any damage:

i) . CT Scans (Computed Tomography)

This test uses X-rays taken from multiple angles to create detailed images of the brain. It is particularly useful for detecting:

      • Bleeding in the brain (haemorrhage)
      • Blood clots (hematomas)
      • Bruised brain tissue (contusions)
      • Fractures of the skull
      • Swelling of brain tissue

ii) . MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create even more detailed images than CT scans. It helps identify subtle changes in brain structure and is often used after a patient’s condition stabilizes or if symptoms persist.

3. Neuropsychological Assessments

These assessments involve various tests to evaluate cognitive functions:

  1. Cognitive Function Tests: These tests measure skills like memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning. They help determine how ABI affects thinking abilities.
  2. Emotional Evaluations: Assessments that focus on emotional health can identify issues like depression or anxiety that may arise after an ABI

4. Functional Assessments

Conducted by occupational therapists, these assessments evaluate how ABI impacts daily living activities:

Daily Living Skills: Therapists observe how well individuals can perform everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, or managing finances. This helps determine what support or rehabilitation services are necessary.

5. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a critical tool used during initial assessments to determine the severity of a brain injury:

  • It scores patients from 3 to 15 based on their ability to respond to stimuli (eye opening, verbal response, motor response). A higher score indicates less severe injury:
    • Mild TBI: GCS score of 13-15
    • Moderate TBI: GCS score of 9-12
    • Severe TBI: GCS score below 8

Acquired Brain Injury Treatment: Options & Approaches

Every ABI case is unique, and so are the treatment plans. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used therapies:

Medical Management

Medications to manage pain or prevent seizures. Treatment for underlying conditions like strokes or infections.

1. Rehabilitation Services

  1. Physical Therapy: Helps improve mobility and build strength.
  2. Occupational Therapy: Focuses on regaining daily living skills.
  3. Speech Therapy: Addresses communication challenges.

2. Psychological Support

Counselling to help cope with emotional stress. Support groups for patients and caregivers.

3. Community Support Services

Programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia provide ongoing assistance.

The Effects of Brain Injury

ABI doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It ripples out to families, caregivers, and society.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) affects not only the individual but also their family, caregivers, and society.

1. Personal Impact

Individuals with ABI often face permanent disabilities, impacting their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. This can result in the loss of independence and long-term challenges.

2. Family and Caregivers

Families become primary caregivers. Which can cause emotional strain and financial burden. The ongoing support required can be overwhelming at times.

3. Economic Burden

In Australia, healthcare costs for moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries exceed $2 billion annually, adding significant financial pressure to both families and society.

4. Social Implications

People with ABI may struggle to reintegrate into society. Ongoing support and rehabilitation are often necessary for individuals to return to work and daily activities.

Get Support for ABI at Main Street Medical

Are You or Someone You Know Affected by Acquired Brain Injury?

If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of an acquired brain injury. It’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in recovery.

At Main Street Medical, we understand how ABI can affect every aspect of life. Our expert team is here to provide the care and support needed. To manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and navigate the journey to recovery. Don’t wait. Reach out today for personalised care.

📞 Contact us today to take the first step toward recovery.

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