Acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries

If you experience an acquired brain injury (ABI) or a spinal cord injury, it may take some time for you and your family to adjust to a new way of life. How much your life changes will depend largely on how serious the accident or illness was.

An acquired brain injury can affect people in different ways. You may experience increased mental and physical fatigue, along with changes in physical and cognitive function, behaviour, personality and the senses.

A severe spinal cord injury can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. You may need to get used to using a wheelchair or to having less control over some of your motor functions. If you are recovering from a stroke, you may need to work with a physiotherapist and speech therapist to relearn skills lost through the injury.

Generally, the more severe the illness or injury, the more significant the symptoms and loss of function will be. Talk to your health professional, or to an organisation that supports people affected by stroke or brain and spinal injury, for advice on where to find ongoing support in the community. They can also explain what treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes may be required.

Finding support services#

A range of specialist support services exists in many regions. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find:

• general advice and support for people with an acquired brain injury and their families
• information and advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery
• services focused on community integration for people with a spinal cord injury
• support and exercise rehabilitation services for people with physical disabilities

Ask your health professional what is available in your area.

Coping and relationships#

The consequences of an ABI or spinal cord injury can be far reaching. Coping with a loss of function and going through lengthy rehabilitation can be difficult, and it is normal to feel distressed and worried about the future.

Your family, friends and partner may also face emotional and practical challenges, interruptions to family life and a change of roles. These injuries can significantly affect relationships, social networks, recreation and work, and you and those closest to you may have to adapt to a new way of life and new kinds of relationships.

At the same time, caring for someone who has had a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury can bring a family closer together and help them focus on what matters. It helps if family members:

• understand that recovery can be a slow and ongoing process
• have accurate and reliable information about the effects of the injury
• appreciate the difficulties that may arise
• stay focused on the present rather than on how bleak the future may seem
• highlight strengths and daily achievements rather than weaknesses
• make time to care for themselves, and ask for help when they need it

Diagnosis#

A range of tests, including x-rays, MRI and CT brain scans, can help pinpoint the exact areas of damage to the brain or spinal cord. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Recovery depends on the extent and location of the damage, the person’s age and general health, the speed of first aid received and the quality of treatment.

Living with an ABI or spinal cord injury#

Except in cases of extremely serious injury, people with ABIs and spinal cord injuries can still do most things that other people can. They can work, study, enjoy recreation, socialise, have relationships and raise a family of their own. Sometimes, though, they need to do these things in a slightly different way.

The long-term effects of an acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury are difficult to predict. They differ from person to person and can range from mild to profound, depending on the cause and severity.

Causes and related conditions#

Acquired brain and spinal cord injuries can arise from many causes. Some include:

• Spinal cord injury (paraplegia and quadriplegia) results from damage to the spinal cord caused by an accident or other trauma. Related health problems may include urinary tract infections, kidney stones and pressure sores.
• Stroke. By recognising the warning signs and acting quickly, you may be able to prevent a stroke or reduce its severity. It is important to recognise these warning signs and get medical help as fast as possible.
• Brain tumour. Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. A growing tumour and swelling brain tissue press on the brain and cause symptoms.
• Hydrocephalus is the abnormal enlargement of the brain cavities (ventricles) caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Untreated, it can result in brain damage or death.
• Multiple sclerosis may lead to neuropsychological symptoms including memory loss, depression and cognitive difficulties.
• Subdural haematomas are blood clots that form beneath one of the protective layers of the brain, usually after a blow to the head. Symptoms can include severe headache, confusion, slurred speech and visual disturbances.
• Aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel such as an artery. Aneurysms most commonly develop along the aorta and in blood vessels of the brain. If one ruptures, death can occur within minutes.
• Alcohol related brain impairment (ARBI) is caused by alcohol misuse. A person with ARBI might have problems with memory, thinking and physical coordination.
• Parkinson’s disease. It is not contagious and not fatal.
• Coma occurs when there is a serious problem with the brain’s arousal system or its communication between brain areas, and brain activity becomes impaired.

Key points#

• Generally, the more severe the illness or injury, the more significant the symptoms and loss of function will be.
• Your health professional can explain what treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes may be required.
• Reliable information and advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery is available.
• By recognising the warning signs of stroke and taking action, you may be able to prevent a stroke or reduce its severity.
• It is important to recognise the warning signs of stroke and get medical help as quickly as possible.

Where to get help#