Understanding ABI

 

What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital or degenerative condition. ABI can result from various causes, including traumatic events like accidents or falls, as well as non-traumatic events such as strokes, infections, or tumors. Brain damage resulting from ABI alters the normal neuronal tissue activity and/or structure in one or multiple areas of the brain, often affecting normal brain functions. Impairment sustained from an ABI can last anywhere from days to a lifetime depending on the severity of the injury. ABI profoundly affects an individual's physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning.

 

 

In Alberta, ABI is a significant public health concern, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 5,000 people sustain a brain injury in Alberta each year, and an estimated 175,000 Albertans are living with the effects of an ABI.
 

Types of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An acquired brain injury (ABI) disrupts the brain's neuronal activity, impacting its physical integrity, metabolic functions, or nerve cell functionality. There are two types of acquired brain injury: 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Caused by external force or trauma to the head, resulting in disruption of normal brain function. Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (NTBI)

Results from internal factors such as oxygen deprivation, exposure to toxins, or pressure from tumors. Examples include stroke, aneurysms, tumors, infectious diseases (e.g., meningitis), and lack of oxygen supply to the brain (e.g., heart attack). 

The ABI Care Continuum

Understanding the continuum of care for individuals with ABI is essential for ensuring they receive appropriate support and treatment throughout their recovery journey.

Acute Care

Acute care focuses on providing immediate medical treatment following the injury. This stage often involves emergency medical services, hospitalization, and surgery if necessary. The primary goal is to stabilize the patient and address any life-threatening conditions resulting from the brain injury.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a critical phase aimed at improving physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning after the acute phase of injury. This intensive therapy may include physical therapy to enhance mobility and strength, occupational therapy to improve daily living skills, speech therapy to address communication challenges, and neuropsychological rehabilitation to address cognitive deficits.

Community Integration

Community integration focuses on providing support services and resources to help individuals reintegrate into their communities and resume meaningful recreational activities. This stage may involve vocational rehabilitation to assist with finding suitable employment, social support programs to facilitate peer connections and emotional support, and assistance with housing and transportation to ensure access to essential resources and services.

The Road to Recovery

Explore this insightful video by Alberta Health Services, where experts offer valuable insights and practical strategies to assist you or your loved ones in overcoming the hurdles of recovery.  Equipping yourself with a deeper understanding of these complexities is key to accessing the necessary support for your journey ahead.

Alberta Brain Injury Initiative Survival Guide

Covering a wide range of topics, this guide offers comprehensive information tailored to various aspects of life after brain injury. Whether you're seeking guidance on understanding brain injury, dealing with physical challenges, rebuilding skills, managing family dynamics and lifestyle changes, handling finances, finding suitable housing, returning to work, supporting children with brain injury, or addressing issues related to sexuality—this guide has you covered.

 

To access the full document, click here.