Glossary
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A
Thinking about things that are theoretical, imaginary or not obvious.
Refers to thinking about ideas where meanings are hidden because the words used are not able to be pictured or understood literally (e.g. the ‘hidden’ humour of a joke)
The inability to be able to understand and/or perform simple mathematical calculations.
Sharp, severe, suddenly happening and needing immediate attention
A hospital-based program with skilled service delivery that optimises the person’s medical condition. The person may or may not receive therapies
A hospital-based, highly intensive skilled service delivery, to optimise the person’s medical condition and functional status. Focus on development of bowel and bladder control, communication, mobility, basic hygiene, orientation and learning
A person’s ability to adapt to their disabling restrictions by focusing on their strengths
Specially manufactured devices for use by those having restrictions due to their injury
Stands for Activities of Daily Living which are everyday activities such as showering, dressing, preparing meals, shopping. These are grouped into personal, domestic and community activities of daily living.
Activities of Daily Living. These are tasks and activities that people do every day such as having a shower, getting dressed, cooking and shopping. ADL’s can be grouped into 3 areas:
- Personal ADL’s (pADLs) which are things people do to look after themselves such as showering or brushing their hair);
- Domestic ADL’s (dADLs) which are things people do around the house such as vacuuming or laundry; and
- Community ADL’s (cADLs) which are things people do in their local community such as banking and shopping.
Describes the act of supporting people through the potential maze of a severe injury and its subsequent rehabilitation. It can include the resources of professionals in the field, lobbying by non-government agencies/families and the support of those that have previously experienced brain injury to enable people to be heard
Uncontrolled restlessness, upset or excitement in response to internal or external factors
The inability to express thoughts through handwriting
Amnesia can mean 2 things:
- When a person can not understand objects they see (like a chair), and
- Loss of memory about events or things that happened a long time ago, or more recently
a
A weakness in the wall of a blood vessel, causing it to bulge out like a balloon. It is possible to burst, causing blood to go where it shouldn’t go
C
Thinking skills and though processes
A state of not being awake where your special person is not able to open eyes, talk or follow instructions
A traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt.
D
Big feelings of sadness and hopelessness for the future
A stage of rehabilitation when the person stops being treated by the staff who have been working with them, because the service they provide no longer best meets the person’s needs.
A loss of control over what one says and does, which can lead to socially unacceptable behaviour.
Not being aware of time and/or one’s situation
Also referred to as ‘confusion’ which is not consistently knowing where one is, what time it is, or who people are, and having difficulty keeping track of what is going on around them.
F
The front part of the brain which is responsible for thinking and behaviours, like Planning your day, solving problems and controlling your emotions and impulses
H
A bruise, or an area that fills up with blood and swells.
Excessive bleeding. When this happens in the brain, it can be called a ‘cerebral Haemorrhage ’.
A build up of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and fills areas (the ventricles) deep within the brain. This build-up causes increased pressure on the brain, which can damage brain tissue. A tube called a ‘shunt’ may be inserted surgically to relieve the pressure.
N
When someone ignores one side of their body or things to their left or right.
O
The back part of the brain which helps us understand what we see
P
The back top part of your brain which helps you to understand what you read and the words you hear. It also help you know where your body is in the environment
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy, which is a feeding tube surgically inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach. Nutritional formula is given through the tube. A PEG is an option for people who cannot eat enough by mouth to meet their nutritional requirements. It is generally used where tube feeding is needed for long periods.
Lasting forever
Getting stuck on something, such as a word or an idea, and not being able to change it when you want to.
Thinking about and preparing for what needs to be done in the future.
S
Young people: how bad a brain injury is, usually called mild, moderate or severe
Adults: how severe the brain injury is, a primary factor in predicting the impact on the individual
Kids: To stay alive
Adults: To continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship
T
Lasting for a short time
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