Understand the basics about ABI
Build your knowledge so you can provide effective support.
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Definition
An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain after birth caused by:
- trauma, often a bump to the head or a jolt to the body
- a medical event, including an illness or a treatment for an illness.
Types of ABI
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Three types of brain injury.
ABI is an umbrella term for three types of brain injury.
1. Concussion:
- a mild traumatic injury to the brain usually caused by a bump to the head or jolt to the body
- negatively affects the brain
- effects usually resolve in three weeks
- requires rest to allow healing
- increases vulnerablility to subsequent injury (Second Impact Syndrome), if activity is resumed too soon
- also called mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).
2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI):
- a significant injury usually caused by a bump, blow, or shake to the head or body
- changes how the brain usually functions
- can alter a child’s emotional, intellectual, communication, and social behaviour
- requires rest to allow healing
- can range from moderate to severe
- more prevalent in children living in areas of social and economic deprivation or who were impulsive or risk takers prior to injury
- can result in long-term changes and challenges.
3. Non-traumatic brain injuries:
- caused by internal events or illnesses, such as strokes, tumours, choking, infection, or cancer treatments
- similar charcteristics to TBI.
Source: Adapted from Educational implications of acquired brain injury, by Sue Walker, Brain and Spine Foundation, UK, 2009.
Causes of ABI
Acquired brain injuries can be caused by a wide range of events.
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The need to raise awareness
Recent research indicates that ABIs, particularly from undiagnosed concussions, are having a significant negative impact on the wellbeing, learning, and wairua of a large number of children and young people in our learning environments.
Due to a lack of understanding, children and young people may find:
- they do not receive support that assists their recovery
- they are placed in situations that may create stress and anxiety, increase risk of injury, and inhibit recovery
- changes to behaviour and difficulties in learning may be misinterpreted.
Next steps
Return to the guide “Supporting learners with acquired brain injury”
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Acquired brain injury and learning
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Acquired brain injury and learning
Understand:
- Understand the basics about ABI
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Understand impacts on learning and wellbeingShow suggestions for Understand impacts on learning and wellbeing
Strategies for action:
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Review leadership and governance responsibilitiesShow suggestions for Review leadership and governance responsibilities
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Concussion: Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Concussion: Support a return to learning and activity
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activity
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Non-traumatic brain injury: Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Non-traumatic brain injury: Support a return to learning and activity
