Four Counties Brain Injury Association is committed to:

• Improving the quality of life for persons who have sustained a Brain Injury
• Providing a forum for persons who live with the effects of a Brain Injury
• Increasing community awareness and providing educational opportunities for individuals and families living with the effects of Acquired Brain Injury
• Acquired Brain Injury includes injury to the brain that is not related to a congenital disorder or a degenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis. The injury must have occurred after birth.

• Improve the quality of life for persons who have sustained a Brain Injury
• Provide a forum for persons who live with the effects of Brain Injury
• Increase Community awareness and provide educational opportunities for people who have sustained a Brain Injury

When a brain injury occurs, its effects reach from the individual who sustained the injury to the family, friends, employer and community. The effects can be physical, emotional and financial.

An individual with an acquired brain injury may experience one or more of the following symptoms (in varying degrees):

• headaches and fatigue
• physical disabilities
• memory loss and lack of concentration
• impaired judgement
• loss of motivation
• personality changes
• difficulty completing a series of steps
• loss of emotional control
• changes in sleep patterns
• language difficulties

It is estimated that 800 people die every year in Ontario from brain injuries and 15,000 more Ontario residents have brain injuries serious enough to require hospitalization. Of this group 1600-2500 will be left with physical, intellectual and behavioural consequences severe enough to prevent return to an everyday way of living similar to their pre-injury lifestyle. Two thirds of this group are below the age of thirty.

Family members are vital in the recovery process. We are pleased to offer information and support for the whole family.