An acquired brain injury refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. Causes of ABI include disease, blows to the head, alcohol and drug use, or oxygen deprivation.

Different types of acquired brain injuries include:

• Closed – This type of brain injury frequently occurs as a result of the rapid movement of the brain inside the cranial cavity and is marked by the bruising and/or tearing of blood vessels and tissues. More specifically, a closed brain injury is one in which the injuries are completely internal and do not penetrate the skull bone. Falls, car accidents, or any incident involving excessive shaking often causes closed brain injuries.

• Penetrating or Open – A penetrating brain injury, also called an open brain injury, is characterized by a break in the skull bone. Bullet wounds are a primary example of a penetrating brain injury.

• Diffuse Axonal – Commonly referred to as DAI, this type of injury involves the tearing of nerve fibres caused by the shifting and rotating of the brain inside the skull. DAI often causes injury to multiple areas of the brain and coma.

• Primary – This type of brain injury refers to one that is sudden but complete, meaning the injury is non-progressive. Examples of primary brain injuries include those sustained as a result of gunshot wounds, car accidents, and falls.

• Secondary – Unlike primary brain injuries, secondary brain injuries are those that continue to evolve or progress after the injury is sustained. These continued changes – which can be cellular, chemical, tissue, and/or blood-related –contribute to further brain damage.

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that the Australian population amounts to just under 19 million people. Of those 19 million Australians, the 1998 ABS study on Disability, Ageing and Carers estimated that there were 3.6 million people with a disability (19% of the total population).

This figure can be compared with the AIHW estimate of 328,000 people with in intellectual disability (1.86% Australians). Of these people 178,000 people required daily assistance.

Click here for a number of additional easy-to-read resources on acquired brain injuries.

ABI can affect people in many different ways. Some people have physical effects, including:

• weakness, shaking, stiffness or poor balance

• tiredness

• changes in sleep patterns

• seizures or fits

• headaches

• changes in vision, smell or touch

Some people experience changes in their thinking or learning abilities, including:

• problems with memory

• problems with concentration or attention

• difficulty with planning or organisation

• confusion

• difficulty with communication, such as having a conversation

Some people have problems with managing their behaviour or emotions, including:

• mood swings

• being irritable or feeling on edge

• changes in personality

You can talk to your doctor if any of these problems affect you or someone you know. If there is an emergency, call triple zero (000).

The vast majority of those who suffer from ABI require some kind of medical treatment. ABI treatment and rehabilitation generally has two goals with regard to the patient: to maximize cognitive functioning and to improve overall quality of life. Treatment and rehabilitation for acquired brain injury victims depends on various factors including the type of injury and its severity as well as patient health and family/community support. ABI treatment and rehabilitation programs are individualized based on a thorough assessment of these factors, but may include any of the following:

• Physical care – such as nutritional and medication needs

• Pain management – medication and other methods for alleviating the pain associated with ABI

• Psychological care – includes the administration of various tests to identify any behavioural and/or emotional problems as well as necessary counselling

• Self-care skills – such as bathing, grooming, and feeding

• Communication skills – speech therapy and alternative modes of communication

• Mobility skills – may include wheelchair use or walking device

• Socialization skills – focuses on interactions with family and community

• Cognitive skills – to enhance memory, problem solving, concentration, and other areas of cognitive functioning affected by the injury

• Vocational skills – work-related training

• Family support – includes patient/family education and training on the numerous issues relevant to living with ABI

There are a number of allied health services that can help a person with an acquired brain injury. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and exercise physiologists are all examples.

There are certain eligibility requirements you must meet in order to qualify for the NDIS. Specifically, you are deemed as eligible for the NDIS if you:

• are under 65 years old when you make your application

• are an Australian resident, permanent visa holder or Australian Citizen

• and, meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

For those aged 65 years and over it is the case that in most situations you will be ineligible for the NDIS and will receive support through the federal government’s aged care system.

We welcome plan-managed, agency-managed, and self-managed participants within the NDIS. Feel free to contact us for more information on your type of plan and how we can help.

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