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Acquired Brain Injury
Injury to the brain, which is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative, that has occurred after birth. These include brain tumors, anoxia/hypoxia, infections of the brain, stroke, aneurysm, ingestion of toxic substances, and the following are all sub-types of ABI:
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head; or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI includes concussion.
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Concussion
A Concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Health care professionals may describe a concussion as a "mild" brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be very serious and can lead to future disabilities. Learn more about concussions here.
The Consequences of Brain Injury
Cognitive Consequences Can Include:
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Short term memory loss; long term memory loss
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Slowed ability to process information
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Trouble concentrating or paying attention for periods of time
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Difficulty keeping up with a conversation; other communication difficulties such as word finding problems
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Spatial disorientation
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Organizational problems and impaired judgment
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Unable to do more than one thing at a time
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A lack of initiating activities, or once started, difficulty in completing tasks without reminders
Physical Consequences Can Include:
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Seizures of all types
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Muscle spasticity
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Double vision or low vision, even blindness
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Loss of smell or taste
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Speech impairments such as slow or slurred speech
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Headaches or migraines
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Fatigue, increased need for sleep
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Balance problems
Emotional Consequences Can Include:
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Increased anxiety
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Depression and mood swings
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Impulsive behavior
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More easily agitated
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Egocentric behaviors; difficulty seeing how behaviors can affect others