What is Acquired Brain Injury?
If you sustain brain damage over the course of your life, it is referred to as acquired brain injury (ABI). This term refers to damage that occurs after the first month following birth. If the brain injury occurs during pregnancy, around the time of birth, or within the first month after birth, it is considered congenital brain injury.
A characteristic feature of acquired brain injury is the so-called "break in the life line." People with ABI often perceive their lives as divided into two parts: a life before and a life after the brain injury. They describe the injury as an irreversible break.
Causes of ABI
ABI is classified into traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head from a traffic accident or a fall.
Non-traumatic brain injury is caused by an internal factor within the body. For example, a stroke or a brain (or meningeal) infection or a brain tumor.
In the Netherlands, there are 130,000 new patients with brain injuries each year.
Symptoms of ABI
As a result of acquired brain injury, one can experience a wide range of symptoms. The location and size of the brain injury significantly impact these symptoms. Some effects are visible, while others are not. Some symptoms appear immediately after the injury, while others may not be noticed until weeks or even months later.
The most common symptoms can be divided into two groups:
Cognitive Problems
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Difficulty with planning and organizing.
- Forgetfulness: People with acquired brain injury struggle to store new information, may have difficulty retrieving stored information, or may not recognize objects or faces well. They may also experience confusion with time and place.
- Sensory overload: Due to brain damage, stimuli are not processed properly.
- Mood disorders.
- Speech or language problems.
- Processing the injury and its consequences can also lead to feelings of grief, shame, anger, insecurity, anxiety, and loneliness.
Physical Complaints
- Paralysis.
- Impairment of motor skills, such as loss of muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
- The senses (sight, smell, touch, and hearing) may function less effectively.
- Chronic physical pain.
Care and Support
People with ABI receive various forms of support to alleviate symptoms, enhance self-reliance, and improve quality of life. Given the wide range of symptoms, this often involves a multidisciplinary approach.
For example, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy are used to improve physical and cognitive abilities. Medication may be prescribed for symptom management, and psychological support is provided to help individuals cope with the injury.
Additionally, assisted living offers a supportive environment for those who require extra help. The goal of assisted living is to help people with ABI function as independently as possible in their daily lives.
ABI not only affects the individual who has sustained the injury but also has an impact on close family and friends. There are also forms of support available for them.
In our detailed article, you can learn more about care and support for people with ABI and their surroundings.