Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) can be life-altering, affecting individuals and their families profoundly. As a leading rehabilitation provider in Sydney, Aevum Health is committed to offering the best support for those impacted by ABI. This comprehensive guide aims to inform our readers about ABI, the rehabilitation process, and how services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can help.

What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is any damage to the brain that occurs after birth. This can be due to various reasons such as trauma, stroke, infection, or degenerative diseases. Unlike congenital brain injuries, which are present at birth, ABIs are acquired later in life, leading to physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural changes. The image below depicts the various roles of different parts of the brain, if damaged these area’s show the potential impairments that can present.

Prevalence of Acquired Brain Injuries in Australia

In Australia, ABI is a significant health concern. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 700,000 Australians are living with a brain injury, with the majority acquiring their injury after birth. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of ABI, often resulting from accidents, falls, or violence. Strokes are the second leading cause, contributing to a substantial number of ABI cases. At Aevum we are one of the leading Sydney based clinic to support you or your loved ones recovery.

Key Statistics:

Approximately 1 in 45 Australians live with a brain injury.
Men are 1.5 times more likely to experience a brain injury than women.
The leading causes of ABI include falls (42%), transport accidents (29%), and assaults (9%).

Rehabilitation Process for Acquired Brain Injuries

Rehabilitation is crucial for individuals with ABI to regain independence and improve their quality of life. Aevum Health offers a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation, ensuring each patient receives personalised care tailored to their needs. We utilise some the of the best equipment and technology available to support the needs of each of our participants to achieve the goals that are most important to them. Because we are a multidisciplinary clinic, your covered from head to toe with a collaborative team all working towards your best recovery.

Just some of the equipment you or your loved ones will have access to, include Tyromotion upper limb robotics and also a Motek VR C-Mill for gait retraining and balance tasks

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of ABI patients. It focuses on improving physical functions such as movement, balance, and coordination. At Aevum Health, our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to help patients:

Restore mobility and strength
Reduce pain and discomfort
Enhance balance and coordination
Prevent secondary complications such as muscle contractures and pressure sores

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is essential for helping ABI patients regain the ability to perform daily activities. Our occupational therapists at Aevum Health work with patients to:

Develop strategies to improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving
Enhance fine motor skills for tasks such as dressing, eating, and writing
Adapt the home and work environments to accommodate physical limitations
Facilitate the use of assistive devices and technologies

The Role of NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding and support for individuals with disabilities, including those with ABI. At Aevum Health, we assist our patients in navigating the NDIS process to ensure they receive the necessary support for their rehabilitation journey. This includes:

Helping patients and families understand their eligibility and the application process
Coordinating with NDIS planners to develop personalized care plans
Providing NDIS-approved services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Ensuring ongoing support and adjustments to care plans as needed

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is critical in the rehabilitation of ABI patients. The sooner rehabilitation begins, the better the outcomes for the patient. At Aevum Health, we emphasize the importance of starting physiotherapy and occupational therapy as soon as possible to maximize recovery potential.

Benefits of Early Intervention:

Faster recovery and return to daily activities
Reduced risk of developing secondary complications
Improved long-term prognosis and quality of life

Support for Families and Caregivers

Caring for someone with an ABI can be challenging. At Aevum Health, we provide support not only for our patients but also for their families and caregivers. This includes:

Providing education on ABI and the rehabilitation process
Linking with other providers offering counseling and psychological support
Creating support networks for families to share experiences and resources
Collaborating with respite care providers to give caregivers a break when needed

Success Stories

At Aevum, we have witnessed numerous success stories of ABI patients regaining independence and improving their quality of life through our comprehensive rehabilitation programs. One such story is that of John, a 62-year-old man who suffered a severe brain injury from a left side affected stroke. Through intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy, John was able to relearn how to walking unaided, and perform daily tasks, eventually returning to an active lifestyle and participating in a self guided gym program created by Aevum.

Another success story was Sarah, a 28-year old who also acquired her injury in a motor vehicle accident. Commencing rehabilitation at Aevum, enabled her for the first time to be able to mobilise out of her power electric wheelchair. Creating agency in her recovery and by establishing clear goals that Sarah can work towards to gain independence and improve function in the area’s that are most important to Sarah.

These are just a couple of examples that our expert team have worked with here in the Sutherland Shire and local Sydney area.

Why Choose Aevum Health?

Choosing the right rehabilitation provider is crucial for the recovery journey of ABI patients. At Aevum Health, we pride ourselves on offering:

Personalised Care: Tailored rehabilitation programs designed to meet individual needs and goals
Expert Team: Experienced physiotherapists and occupational therapists who understand and have experience with ABI
Comprehensive Services: A range of therapies and support services under one roof
Patient-Centered Approach: Focus on improving the overall well-being and quality of life for patients

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is living with an ABI, contact Aevum Health today to learn more about our rehabilitation services. Visit our website at www.aevumhealth.com.au or call us at 02 8544 3231 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Acquired Brain Injuries and the Rehabilitation Process: A Comprehensive Guide by Aevum Health