An acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain which occurs after birth due to a traumatic event, such as a blow to the head, or a non-traumatic medical event, such as stroke. An ABI is not due to a congenital disorder or a progressively degenerative disorder. As the brain is a complex and delicate organ, damage to the brain can produce serious, long-term difficulties.
Brain Injuries:
- are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under 35
- most often occur in Canadians between 15 – 24
- are the cause of death for more than 800 Ontarians per year
- are sustained by more than 50,000 Canadians per year
- are more likely to occur in males than females
- are likely to result in death or permanent disability
- are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide
See OBA Impact Report 2012 www.obia.ca/the-obia-impact-report.