Acquired brain injury: causes, symptoms and self-help

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an umbrella term for brain damage occurring after birth, distinct from congenital or genetic conditions. ABI results from various neurological conditions and injuries which make acquired brain injury a complex category. Each individual with ABI has a different experience of rehabilitation and management, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Understanding its diverse causes, wide-ranging symptoms, and available self-help strategies is crucial for those affected and their support networks.

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Key Takeaways

Complexity and individual variations

ABI is a broad umbrella term for any brain damage occurring after birth (including traumatic impacts and medical events like strokes). Crucially, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ recovery; every patient’s journey and management plan must be uniquely tailored.

Diverse and internal symptoms

While physical effects like headaches or weakness are visible, ABI often causes ‘hidden’ symptoms, such as changes to thinking and emotions. These include memory loss, executive dysfunction, and personality changes, which can be difficult for support networks to recognise but severely impact daily life.

The critical role of rest

Recovery requires a gradual return to normal life. Cognitive tasks, such as writing emails or socialising, are just as physically exhausting for the brain as manual labour. Following a doctor’s guidance on pacing is essential to allow the brain to heal effectively.

Practical management strategies

Effective self-help involves creating strict routines and using external aids. Strategies like setting phone alarms, breaking large tasks into smaller steps, and designating specific places for household items (like keys) help mitigate memory and concentration issues.

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Causes of acquired brain injury (ABI)

What causes acquired brain injury?

There are many different causes of ABI. It can be broadly categorised into:

A. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – result from external forces impacting the head, such as:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions can cause significant head trauma.
• Falls: Especially common in young children and older adults.
• Explosions: Blast waves can inflict severe brain damage.
• Sports injuries: Concussions and more severe impacts during athletic activities.
• Blunt force trauma: Any direct blow to the head.

B. Non-traumatic brain injuries – arise from internal medical events, including:

• Infections: Meningitis and encephalitis can inflame the brain.
• Haemorrhages: Bleeding within or around the brain.
• Strokes: Disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing damage.
• Neurological conditions: Progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and multiple sclerosis can lead to brain injury over time.
• Toxic substances: Poisoning from alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals.
• Lack of oxygen (Hypoxia/Anoxia): Events like cardiac arrest, near-drowning, or suffocation.
• Brain tumours: Abnormal growths that can damage brain tissue.
• Complications from brain surgery: Although intended to help, some surgeries can result in unintended brain injury.

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Symptoms of acquired brain injury (ABI)

Individuals may experience a loss of consciousness directly after a brain injury. While it may be distressing, it is normal not to remember part of your hospital stay. Typically, many people recover well from a brain injury, especially in the early stages along with plenty of rest. Nevertheless, ABI can cause symptoms that severely interfere with daily living and recovery. Thus, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to identify the personal impacts of acquired brain injury and create a tailored treatment plan.

Generally, ABI symptoms can be grouped into four main categories::

1. Physical effects

Many people have long-term physical effects which can often be addressed by rehabilitation, lifestyle adjustments and equipment. However, ABI can cause diverse physical symptoms, such as:

• Headaches and fatigue – persistent and often debilitating.
• Weakness or paralysis – affecting specific limbs or one side of the body.
• Ataxia, balance issues, dizziness – difficulty with coordination and stability.
• Sensory impairment – changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch.
• Speech impediment – difficulty speaking or understanding language.
• Hormonal imbalances – affecting various bodily functions.
• Sexual dysfunction – changes in libido or sexual function.
• Continence issues – problems with bladder or bowel control.

2.  Cognitive effects

These are often not obvious and easily distinguished, which can make it rather difficult to recognise and understand.

• Mental capacity issues – reduced ability to process information.
• Challenges with attention and concentration – difficulty focusing and staying on task.
• Memory problems – difficulty remembering new information or past events.
• Issues with motivation – feeling a lack of drive or initiative.
• Difficulties with reasoning – impaired problem-solving and decision-making.
• Executive dysfunction – problems with planning, organisation, and managing time.
• Self-awareness issues – reduced insight into their own difficulties.

3. Emotional effects

They are not detectable, unless they show through a person’s behaviour. There are useful techniques to help with managing emotions, as well as aids and adaptations to help with other effects that may be triggering difficult emotions.

• Worry, anxiety and depression – common emotional responses to ABI.
• Sadness – feelings of loss and grief related to changes in their abilities.
• Anger and frustration – often stemming from difficulties and limitations.
• Stress – increased susceptibility to stress.
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – can develop after traumatic brain injuries.
• Struggle with being empathetic – difficulty understanding or sharing the feelings of others.
• Feeling of loss – grief over the life they had before the injury.

4. Behavioural effects

Closely linked to emotional states, often a reflection of internal feelings, and can become difficult to control.

• Impulsiveness – Acting without thinking through consequences.
• Irritability – Increased tendency to become easily frustrated or annoyed.
• Aggression – Verbal or physical outbursts.
• Personality change – Noticeable shifts in temperament and behaviour.
• Post-traumatic amnesia – Confusion and memory loss following the injury.
• Disinhibition (for example making tactless remarks, using crude or abusive language) – Saying or doing things that are socially inappropriate.
• Perseveration – Repetitive behaviours or thoughts.
• Egocentricity – Difficulty understanding perspectives other than their own.

Photo credit: Headway

Self-help tips and strategies

It is important to pay attention to your doctor in terms of how fast to return back to normal activities, such as childcare and work. Tasks such as making decisions, planning, socialising, writing emails etc, can be as exhausting as other physical tasks. The period of rest after a brain injury should be followed with a steady and gradual return to your usual activities, which also helps your brain to heal.

Create a routine, keep your things organised by having a designated place for items like keys and phone.  Make a ‘to do’ list and add it to your mobile phone calendar – set alarms and reminders. Focus on one thing at a time and break tasks down into smaller steps. Mix small tasks with bigger ones so you do not get too tired. Relax and rest when needed, get involved in calming activities. To sleep better, avoid caffeine and screens (like phones or TV) before bed. Stay connected to family and friends and engage in plenty of enjoyable activities, stay active and exercise regularly.

Useful apps and websites

• Unmind app, Headspace app, Sleepio app, Daylight app
• Headway 
• Stroke Association 
• CUH Neuropsychology Department

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing private acquired brain injury home care  homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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