About Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An Acquired Brain Injury is as defined by the Department of Human Services as:

An injury to the brain which results in deterioration of cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functions. It can occur as a result of trauma, hypoxia, infection, substance abuse, degenerative neurological disease or stroke. These impairments to cognitive abilities, sensory or physical functioning can be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total disability or psycho social maladjustment.
Source: Department of Human Services, Acquired Brain Injury Strategic Plan, 2001.

Statistics from a range of sources would indicate that:

• The number of people with an ABI in Victoria is approximately 73, 000 of which 31, 000 need personal assistance or supervision sometimes or always.
• The incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) increases dramatically at approximately 20 years of age.
• Approximately 1, 200 people with ABI are TAC claimants and approximately 550 are Workcover claimants.
• The consequences of long term substance abuse, drug and alcohol use which leads to brain injury emerges in the 40 plus age group and its prevalence increases over time.
• Stroke is the largest sub-group of ABI and grows as the population ages.

Source: ABI Strategic Plan, 2001, Department of Human Services

BrainLink, in conjunction with ARBIAS, have produced a suite of information products on acquired brain injury, pictured right. The collection will cover a number of topics, ranging from diagnosis, challenging behaviour, to case management of children with ABI. The project will also include a multi-lingual promotional poster and fridge magnet for display in hospitals and agencies to direct public and health professionals alike on where to get information on acquired brain injury.

Visit our Resources page to download these and many more publications.

 

                                                   Updated 27th September, 2007