About Acquired Brain Injury
An Acquired Brain Injury Can Happen to
Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime.
An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a disruption in brain function that occurs after birth. It isn’t hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma.
A Traumatic Brain Injury:
An injury to the brain caused by an external source such as...
- a motor vehicle collision
- a fall
- a sports-related injury
- an assault
A Non-Traumatic Brain Injury:
An internal injury to the brain which can be the result of...
- a stroke, aneurysm, brain bleed
- brain tumour, infection
- substance use, ingesting other toxins
- oxygen deprivation (e.g. near-drowning or overdose)
Over 1.5 million Canadians live with Brain Injury.
You are not alone.
The Impact of an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Every brain injury is unique. Each person sustaining a brain injury may be affected differently depending on their age, the location of the injury, its severity, and any history of previous brain injuries. The impact of ABI is also felt by the family/caregivers and they must also adjust to the changes and challenges of post-injury life.
Brain injury can cause a wide range of changes which may include:
Cognitive
- More Time Needed To Process Information
- Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks
- Difficulty Communicating
- Difficulty With Memory, Reasoning
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Impulsivity
Physical
- Headaches
- Sensitivity To Light/Sound
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Loss Of Coordination Or Balance
- Vision Impairment
- Chronic Pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/ Vertigo
- Seizures
Emotional
- Personality Changes
- Irritability/ Anger
- Mood Swings
- Social Inappropriateness
- Denial
- Sadness, Anxiety, Depression
- Showing Little Emotion
- Loss Of Sense Of Self
Behavioural
- Impulsivity
- Engaging In Risky Behaviour
- Social Inappropriateness
- Difficulty With Relationships
- Changes In Sleep Pattern
- Social Isolation
- Changes In Personality
Education Resources
General
braininjurycanada.ca – education, awareness, and advocacy
brainline.org – preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury
brainstreams.ca – brain injury information and resources in B.C.
https://wearehfc.org/brain-health-habits/ – 5 Brain Health Habits
Concussion
parachute.ca -injury prevention
cattonline.com -concussion awareness training tool
Intimate Partner Violence
abitoolkit.ca -understanding the intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury
soarproject.ca -supporting survivors or brain injury and abuse through research
cattonline.com -concussion awareness training tool
- Want to learn more about NBIS Education Programs?
- Phone: 250-753-5600 Ext. 4
- Email: Community@nbis.ca