Acquired brain injuries – any brain injury that occurs after birth – affect millions of Canadians. For example, an estimated 1.5 million people in Canada have experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (caused by external physical force to the head or neck) in their lifetime. When accounting for the other sources of acquired brain injury such as stroke, oxygen deprivation, tumours and infection, the annual incidence is significantly higher. Given that many acquired brain injuries (particularly traumatic brain injuries) go unrecognized and unreported, the true number of people living with acquired brain injury in Canada is difficult to determine.
UHN is home to Toronto Rehab, the KITE Research Institute and the Krembil Brain Institute. Researchers and health care providers across these three institutions are dedicated to providing the highest standards of care for acquired brain injury today while driving discoveries that will invent the care of tomorrow.
In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, here are four things you should know about acquired brain injury.
1. Causes and impacts of acquired brain injury can vary widely
While concussions (a common form of traumatic brain injury) are likely the first thing most people think of, the causes of acquired brain injury vary widely. In addition to head injuries, causes can include strokes, tumours, infections, neurotoxins, and oxygen deprivation among other factors.
The impacts of acquired brain injury are as diverse as its causes. The impact can vary depending on the injury’s severity and the part of the brain that is affected, among other factors, but can include:
- Cognitive impairments like memory issues, problems with speech and language communication, attention and concentration, and reasoning
- Emotional regulation challenges like mood swings or impulsivity
- Social or psychosocial difficulties like strained relationships with peers and family, as well as in employment and educational settings and isolation
- Neurological impairments like difficulty with ambulation (movement), balance, seeing and hearing or sensory sensitivities
2. Anyone can be affected by acquired brain injury
When people think of who is most at risk for acquired brain injury, they often picture an athlete, like a football or hockey player.
The reality is that brain injuries can affect anyone. Acquired brain injury can have a range of causes including head injuries, strokes, tumours and infections. Their impact can vary depending on the injury’s severity and the part of the brain that is affected, among other factors. It’s important to recognize the diversity of people affected by acquired brain injury, and to recognize that the social determinants of health can significantly affect someone’s likelihood of sustaining an acquired brain injury and their access to high-quality care.
3. Acquired brain injuries are often “invisible”
For many people with acquired brain injuries, the symptoms can have a serious impact on their interactions with other people. It is unlikely an average person would be able to recognize when someone’s behaviour is being impacted by the symptoms of an acquired brain injury, leading to misinterpretation and misunderstanding.
For example, someone’s brain injury may impair their ability to understand facial expressions or body language. When they don’t respond “appropriately,” in a situation, they might be viewed as rude or insensitive, when in reality they simply had difficulty understanding what was being communicated.
This makes acquired brain injury a type of “invisible disability.” This can make it more challenging for people living with acquired brain injury to access the supports, accommodations and care they need – highlighting the importance of raising awareness and fostering compassionate care.
4. Brain injury care is a team effort
Brain injury care is not one-size-fits-all.
At UHN’s Toronto Rehab, an interdisciplinary care team that includes neurologists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and rehabilitation nurses. Together, they provide specialized brain injury programs and cognitive, physical and occupational rehabilitation services, and access to assistive technologies and devices – often developed in collaboration with the KITE Research Institute.
Patients’ family members, community organizations and advocates are part of the care team too, working together with TeamUHN to raise awareness and embed the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility into patient care, helping to ensure each patient’s unique needs.
Learn more about acquired brain injury
Want to learn more about acquired brain injury and the work underway at UHN to support people living with brain injury?
- Learn about the LIFEspan Clinic, a unique partnership between Toronto Rehab, Rumsey Centre, UHN’s KITE Research Institute and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital that helps young people transition from pediatric to adult care for acquired brain injuries.
- Read how rehabilitation and other supportive care helped patient Ashley Comrie recover when a severe COVID-19 infection caused an acquired brain injury.
- Learn more about research into how gender shapes the experiences of individuals and their caregivers after a traumatic brain injury
No one ever changed the world on their own but when the bright minds at UHN work together with donors we can redefine the world of health care together.
