Acquired brain injury is injury to the brain, which results in deterioration of cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning. It can occur as a result of trauma, hypoxia, infection, tumour, substance abuse, degenerative neurological diseases or stroke. These impairments to cognitive abilities or physical functioning may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total disability or psychosocial adjustment.

• Traumatic brain injury is an assault to the brain, not a degenerative or   congenital nature but caused by an external physical force that may produce a   diminished or altered state of consciousness.

• Alcohol related brain injury is injury to the brain sustained as a consequence of   alcohol consumption.

• Acquired brain injury resulting from hypoxia is injury to the brain sustained as a   consequence of lack of oxygen to the brain.

• Acquired brain injury from infection is injury to the brain sustained as a   consequence of infection. Eg encephalitis

• Acquired brain injury resulting from a tumour is injury to the brain sustained as
  a consequence of the tumour and/or as a result of damage incurred during   treatment for the tumour.

• Stroke related brain injury.

This definition is adapted from a data research project in Victoria by the Ministerial Implementation Committee on Head Injury funded by the Transport Accident Commission.