Acquired Brain Injury

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

injury to the brain that occurs after birth (2yo+)

Question 2

ABI in childhood

Answer 2

brain still undergoing neuroanatomical maturation and developing functional connections
impacts their current function and the acquisition of new skills
recovery better when older
younger children - no blueprint for how to acquire new skills, struggle to form neural pathways

Question 3

Assessment

Answer 3

Consider - coma score, coma duration, length of PTA, premorbid function

• motor function, initiation, organisation and planning
• problem solving and judgement
• attention
• perceptual
• memory

Question 4

Management Considerations

Answer 4

impact isn’t static - recovery is greatest initially
physical issues resolve quickest - most able to walk
main issue = cognitive, behavioural and emotional
need to support family
be family centred and goal orientated
need to prioritise management of behavioural and cognitive issues

Question 5

ABI VS CP

Answer 5

ABI

• injury to developed brain
• diffuse
• main issue is memory and learning
• initially rapid recovery
• learning new skills is difficult
• cognition appears stuck at age of injury

CP

• injury to developing brain
• can be more focal
• biggest issue is motor control
• learning easy, acquire new skills
• cognition likely age appropriate