About Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to damage to the brain that has occurred after birth.

The outcomes and effects of ABI are different for each person and often depend on the cause, nature and severity of the injury. Some effects of brain injury are only experienced in the short term, but many permanently impact on the person’s ability to lead an independent life.

In Tasmania it is estimated that each year 2,500 people acquire a brain injury. A significant proportion of these are young adults whose medical care and support issues are compounded by a lack of understanding within the broader community of brain injury and its impact on the lives of individuals, their families and carers.

BIAT Media Fact Sheet

Brain Injury Association of Tasmania: acquired brain injury fact sheet.

BIAT Fact Sheet

The Common Effects of Brain Injury

A list of the effects associated with acquired brain injury; including the common cognitive, physical, emotional and medical effects.

How ABI Affects a Person

How brain injury affects a person:

The long term effects of brain injury are difficult to predict; they will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. It is common for many people with ABI to experience increased fatigue (mental and physical) and some slowing down in the speed with which they process information, plan and solve problems. They may experience changes to their behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning.

ABI is often referred to as the ‘hidden’ or ‘invisible’ disability because it is not always obvious however it can result in significant restrictions on a person’s ability to participate fully in education, employment and other aspects of life. Relationships with families, friends and carers can also be affected by behavioural personality and changes.

What is ABI?

Acquired Brain Injury is defined nationally as ‘…injury to the brain which results in deterioration of cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functions. It can occur as a result of trauma, hypoxia, infection, substance abuse, degenerative neurological disease or stroke. These impairments to cognitive abilities, sensory or physical function can be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total disability or psychosocial maladjustment.’

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of injury to the brain that occurs after birth. It can result from numerous causes and, like every individual, every brain injury is unique. The nature of each person’s ABI depends not only on the cause, but also on which area of the brain suffers damage. ABI can affect a person’s physical, cognitive or emotional functions or, in some cases, affect all three functional areas. This can have serious effects on the level of independence enjoyed by the person prior to their brain injury.