Brain Injury
Neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation after traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is any damage to the brain that happens after birth. It includes traumatic brain injury (TBI), where an external force causes brain dysfunction, and non-traumatic causes such as stroke, oxygen deprivation, tumours, and infection. Injuries range from mild (concussion) to moderate and severe, and recovery benefits from specialized neuropsychological support.
Two Routes to the Same Place
How the injury happened shapes the medical care that follows, but the cognitive and emotional changes it leaves behind overlap a great deal.
Traumatic Brain Injury
An outside force injures the brain. Severity ranges from mild (concussion) through moderate and severe.
- Falls
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Blows to the head or assaults
Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
The brain is injured from within, with no external impact involved.
- Stroke and aneurysm
- Oxygen deprivation (anoxia, cardiac arrest)
- Brain tumours
- Infection (encephalitis, meningitis)
- Toxic or metabolic causes
Understanding Brain Injury
The effects of a brain injury vary widely depending on the location and severity of the damage, whatever its cause.
Cognitive Changes
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Memory impairment (especially learning new information)
- Slowed processing speed
- Executive dysfunction (planning, organization, problem-solving, flexibility)
Emotional and Behavioural Changes
- Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability)
- Emotional lability
- Reduced initiation or motivation
- Impulsivity
- Personality changes
Physical Effects
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sensory changes
- Motor difficulties
The Recovery Journey
Recovery from a moderate to severe TBI or other acquired brain injury is typically most rapid in the first months following injury but can continue for years. The recovery process is influenced by injury severity, individual factors, available support, and access to rehabilitation services.
How We Help
Neuropsychological Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation to characterize cognitive strengths and weaknesses, track recovery over time, and inform rehabilitation planning.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Evidence-based treatment targeting specific cognitive difficulties, including attention training, memory strategies, and executive skills training.
Psychological Support
Treatment for emotional adjustment, mood changes, and the psychological impact of living with brain injury.
Family Support
Education and support for family members adapting to changes in their loved one.
Collaboration
We work as part of your rehabilitation team, collaborating with physicians, rehabilitation specialists, and other healthcare providers.
Hope and Adaptation
While some effects of a brain injury may be permanent, meaningful improvement is possible at any stage of recovery. Neuropsychological rehabilitation helps maximize recovery, develop compensatory strategies, and build a meaningful life that accounts for changed abilities.
Related Services
Explore our assessment and treatment services related to this specialization.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and find out how our specialized expertise can help.