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.