Definitions and Terms Used for Brain Injury
The term acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any damage to the brain occurring after birth. There are a range of different types of ABI.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of ABI and occurs when the brain is damaged due to the application of force, as is the case with road traumas, falls, assaults, and sporting injuries.
- Other causes of ABI include stroke, hypoxic injuries where the brain is deprived of oxygen (such as from near drowning incidents and cardiac arrest), brain tumours, encephalitis, meningitis, drug and alcohol abuse.
- Degenerative neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, are also now considered a form of ABI.
Frequency of Occurrence of Brain Injury
Brain Injury is a common condition, with approximately one in every forty Australians living with an ABI.
Impact of Brain Injury
Because of the complexity of the brain, no two brain injuries are the same. In many cases, the injury is invisible to an observer, and for these people their “normal” appearance hides the many significant challenges they are experiencing. A brain injury can create a whole host of new changes and challenges for a person, and has the potential to affect every aspect of their life. A brain injury also typically affects a person’s family and support network in significant ways, as they work to support the person who has sustained the injury and adjust to the disruptions in their life.
Features of Brain Injury
People with ABI may experience:
- Cognitive difficulties, such as challenges with processing information, reasoning and problem solving and concentration.
- Memory difficulties and excessive fatigue are two of the most common challenges after a brain injury, and some experience sensitivity with sensory input such as noise and light.
- For many, the injury will affect their communication in some way as well.
- Damage to the frontal lobes, in particular, is associated with behaviours of concerns and difficulties regulating emotions.
Together, these challenges can have significant implications for a person’s independence, social functioning, employment, family roles, mental health, identity and overall quality of life.
Good News in Brain Injury Management
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to rewire itself in response to what happens to it, and it is through neuroplasticity that people can make significant progress after their ABI. Progress typically occurs most quickly in the first 12 months after the injury, but our brains remain plastic and capable of change right across the lifespan. People can continue to make gains many years post-injury.
Establishing a pathway to return to work can be an important aspect of adjustment to the impact of brain injury. Previous and potential employers play an important part is assisting the person evaluate what they can achieve and what might be important in any future work they undertake. Allowing employees to explore their capacity within a workplace, recognising that the challenges the person faces may not be visible to others, and giving patience and understanding through this process can be vital to its success. Through this understanding many needs can be accommodated, and the opportunity to return to work maximised.
Important in Assistance Provided
When an employee experiences a brain injury, employers may be challenged in knowing what to do.
Brain Injury SA can provide very tailored advice on what might be needed for an individual they are working with, assisting an employer and their employee consider options. As a peak body in South Australia for brain injury we are also available to support employers and their staff build their knowledge and understanding of brain injury and its accommodation in the workplace.
Watch Video: Living with a Brain Injury
– How Brain Injury SA Offers Services and Support
Video Transcript coming soon.