Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury may have many causes such as a fall, an infection or a stroke. Regardless of the cause, an acquired brain injury should be treated seriously since it may have significant, life-long consequences. Even a concussion, which is a mild brain injury, should never be ignored.
While some children with an acquired brain injury may have physical disabilities, many of the effects of brain injury are not visible. These invisible disabilities may include problems with learning, memory, attention, problem solving and behaviour.
A brain injury not only affects the child or youth, but also becomes a life-changing event for the whole family. When a child leaves hospital after a brain injury, parents, brothers and sisters, teachers and others need emotional support and help understanding the child’s disability and the child's abilities. Often special environmental adaptations are necessary for a child to successfully reintegrate into the school and community.
Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth
The Ministry of Children and Family Development funds the Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth which is delivered through the BC Centre for Ability. The Centre for Ability coordinates and funds short term rehabilitation for children and youth with acquired brain injury across BC. The program assists in important life transitions such as a youth entering high school. Services are delivered in the child’s home community.
The program accepts referrals within 12 months post-injury for those without third-party funding. That is, the individual is not in receipt of duplicate funding through sources such as ICBC, Victim Assistance or other private insurance coverage. For more information about the program visit the Community Brain Injury Program web page.
Brain Injury Information Resource Line
If you need information on community services, supports and resources for children & youth with acquired brain injuries, please call the Community Brain Injury Program’s Information Resource line at:
Vancouver: 604 451-5511
Elsewhere in BC
toll-free: 1 877 451-5511
For more information on causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention read the HealthLinkBC overview on Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion).
Brain Injury Links
BC Brain Injury Association (for parent group and resources in your area)
Vancouver: 604 465-1783
Elsewhere in BC toll-free: 1 877 858-1788
Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Brain Injury Team, Vancouver: 604 453-8300
Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center
Brain Injury Association of Canada
Brain Injury Association of America
Teaching Students With Acquired Brain Injury – A Resource Guide for Schools
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