Acquired Brain Injury

Of all types of injury - brain injury is the most likely to result in permanent disability or death. The brain is the centre of the nervous system and the most complex organ. The brain is the boss of our body; it runs the show and controls everything we do, even when asleep. The annual incidence of acquired brain injury is greater than that of Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer, HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer combined. 
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Acquired brain injury occurs when the brain becomes damaged because of an event that happens after birth. Each person's brain is unique. Different parts of the brain have different functions and the damage depends on which part of the brain that has been injured. The effects range from mild to severe and the severity of the injury is a good predictor of recovery.  ​

Generally the more severe the injury, the less likely it is that the survivor will return to normal. It is not an acquired brain injury if the survivor is injured at birth. The damage must be a result of an injury or an illness. This does not include illnesses that degenerates with time, such as Alzheimer's or Multiple Sclerosis. 

Brain injuries can happen to anyone at anytime. They occur suddenly and without warning and in an instant life is changed forever. Every day we participate in activities that produce endless risks for sustaining a brain injury. They can happen while driving a car, riding a bike, playing sports or walking down the street. Many things can damage the brain; a blow to the head, brain tumors, lack of oxygen, brain infections, strokes and aneurysms can all cause brain injuries. 
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Resources for Acquired Brain Injury pages are from the following websites:

Brain Injury Canada: braininjurycanada.ca/en/

Brain Injury North Bay: bianba.ca

Ontario Brain Injury Association: www.obia.ca
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Brain Trust Canada: www.braintrustcanada.com