Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as defined by the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF)
“A non-degenerative injury to the brain that has occurred since birth. It can be caused by external physical force or by metabolic derangement. The term ‘Acquired Brain Injury’ includes traumatic brain injury, such as open or closed head injury, and non-traumatic brain injuries such as those caused by strokes and other vascular accidents, hypoxia, toxic substances taken into the body through inhalation or ingestion, and any invasive surgery or treatments for tumours. Currently the term does not include brain injuries that are congenital or produced by birth trauma.”
Since an acquired brain injury (ABI) is a non-generative injury to the brain that has occurred since birth, the causes can vary quite considerably, even though the resulting effects can be very similar.
Last year, 21% of our clients acquired their brain injury from a road traffic incident, 35% from a stroke, 15% from a fall and 6% from a brain tumour.
Causes of Brain Injury
There are many possible causes. You could have any number of symptoms, from physical effects including issues with balance, headaches and dizziness to cognitive, memory, emotional and behavioural challenges.
The effects of an acquired brain injury can vary widely, depending on what caused your injury and which part of the brain has been affected.
Every brain injury is unique. You can read more about the symptoms by visiting our Type of Brain Injury page.
BALANCE
HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS
MEMORY
EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES
How can Headway Essex help?
At Headway Essex, we are able to provide support and advice to help you minimise the long-term impact of your brain injury, and help you and your family cope.
To contact the community support team, please call 01206 845945 or email us
