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Resources

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An acquired brain injury is damage to the brain that occurs after birth from a traumatic or non-traumatic event. It can include damage sustained by infection, disease, lack of oxygen or a blow to the head. An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is the umbrella term for all brain injuries.

How does ABI affect a person?
The outcome of an ABI can be different for each person, and ranges from mild to severe. As a result, the long-term effects of brain injury are difficult to predict. Common symptoms include increased fatigue (mental and physical), reduced speed of information processing, planning and problem solving. Changes to behaviour, personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning are also possible.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by a traumatic event such as a blow to the head, a fall, a motor vehicle or sports related injury. When there is a hard blow to the head, the brain slams against the skull, which leads to physical injuries such as bruising, swelling, or bleeding. The severity of the injury ranges from a temporary loss of consciousness, to a long-term period of unconsciousness or coma.

 

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (nTBI)

Non-traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by internal factors, such as lack of oxygen to the brain (anoxia), illness such as meningitis or encephalitis, or stroke.

 

Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury which can be caused by a sudden acceleration of the head and neck resulting from a blow or contact to the body. You do not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion. Concussions can occur from many different activities including falls, assault, motor vehicle collisions, sports or being struck by an object. Symptoms can appear immediately or, in some cases, days following the initial injury.

What You Need To Know

If you think you have a concussion, see a medical doctor or nurse practitioner to be diagnosed. After a concussion, rest for the first 24-48 hours, then gradually return to daily activities. As you start to feel better, it’s important to get back to doing your normal activities. Be aware of your symptoms, but know that you don’t need to be symptom-free before trying to get back to your routine.

Every patient diagnosed with a concussion should receive a follow-up (usually from their family doctor) within 1-2 weeks. Most people who experience a concussion make a full recovery within 4 weeks. If you aren’t getting better, talk to your family doctor so that they can refer you to a healthcare provider with experience managing your specific concussion symptoms.

 

Concussion FAQ

Visit your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or an emergency department to diagnose your concussion. If you are diagnosed with a concussion, see your family doctor within 1-2 weeks of your diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, you will also need to see other healthcare providers with experience in managing those specific symptoms. Your healthcare providers will check your symptoms, monitor how you are doing, and decide if or when they need to see you again.
Get physical and mental rest during the first 24-48 hours after a concussion. Increased sleep is normal and necessary, you don’t need to be woken up every hour or put in a dark room. Gradually returning to daily activities and regular routines is part of the healing process. Talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner about returning to work, school, or sport.
Concussions symptoms can affect your body, but they can also affect your thinking, emotions, and sleep. Symptoms might appear right away or a few days later. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer. Some people may experience only one symptom and others may experience many. Most people who experience a concussion make a full recovery, with symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks.
It is important to give the brain time to heal. Most people recover by one month. For some, concussion recovery can take longer, with their symptoms lasting beyond a few months. Symptoms that last longer than three months are referred to as ‘prolonged symptoms.’ If your symptoms last longer than this, it doesn’t mean that you will never recover. Talk to your family doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. Your family doctor might refer you to an interdisciplinary concussion clinic or a group of providers who have experience managing concussion symptoms.
Get physical and mental rest during the first 24-48 hours after a concussion. Increased sleep is normal and necessary, you don’t need to be woken up every hour or put in a dark room. Gradually returning to daily activities and regular routines is part of the healing process. Talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner about returning to work, school, or sport.

Managing Persistent Post Concussion Symptoms

Please click the button below to review the booklet developed by the University Health Network and Canadian Concussion Centre. 


Post Concussion Resource
Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life for persons in the region(s) of Peel and Halton who are living with the effects of an acquired brain injury through education, awareness and support.

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Ontario  L5N 7K2

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