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The Effects Of Brain Injuries

Mid aged medical doctor reviewing x ray of african patient.

Brain Injuries

Acquired Brain Injuries can cause life-altering impairments. An entire life can be changed in a matter of seconds; oftentimes when the individual is not at fault.  

In Canada  160, 000 Canadians experience an acquired brain injury every year [1]; Currently, in Canada, 1.5 million people are impacted by brain injuries. 

Brain injuries are currently the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under the age of 40 [2]. With an increase in brain injuries every year, it is more important that we become aware of the causes and repercussions that are associated with an Acquired Brain Injury. 

First and foremost, what is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and what kinds of Acquired Brain Injuries are there? 

An Acquired Brain Injury is described as “any damage to the brain that occurs after birth” meaning that the brain injury is not a result of a congenital or degenerative disease [1]. ABI can be caused many different ways. The most common are: 

  1.     Disease ex. AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, etc..;
  2.     Lack of oxygen ex. The lack of oxygen when a person nearly drowns ;
  3.     Physical Injury ex. Vehicle accidents;
  4.     Stroke. [3]:

There are two different types of ABI: Non-Traumatic and Traumatic. A Non-Traumatic ABI is a result of an occurrence within the body; for example, a brain tumour. A Traumatic ABI is a result of an outside event like a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or an assault [1].

As a result of an ABI, many Canadians are unable to return to their work. As a result, it is estimated that from 2011 to 2031 the cumulative income loss of those that have an ABI will rise from $7.3 to $8.2 billion [4]. 

After one has sustained an Acquired Brain Injury the most important thing that they can do is to focus on their recovery — to the best of their ability.Something that many Canadians who are left disabled by an Acquired Brain Injury might have money on their mind. After all, they are likely unable to work. What happens if your employer doesn’t pay for your time off or you don’t have access to disability benefits? What if you suffered a Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury that was caused by someone else — for example, a motor accident?  These are further distractions that will make it harder for you to focus on your recovery. In times such as these, know that you are not alone. You are able to lean on those around you and to professionals that will ensure that you will be fairly compensated for your injury.

 

Word count of the article (without citations): 461

Sources

[1] “About Acquired Brain Injury.” Brain Injury Canada, www.braininjurycanada.ca/acquired-brain-injury/

[2] “Education, Awareness, Advocacy.” Brain Injury Canada, www.braininjurycanada.ca/

[3] Department of Health & Human Services. “Acquired Brain Injury.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 31 May 2014, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acquired-brain-injury

[4] “The Epidemic Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Canada.” Personal Health News, www.personalhealthnews.ca/education-and-advocacy/the-epidemic-of-traumatic-brain-injuries-in-canada

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