Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (NTBI) results from organic etiology, such as an illness (meningitis, encephalitis, brain infections), any situation that may decrease oxygen to the brain to cause stroke (such as a clot, vascular disease, heart failure), metabolic disorders, aneurysm, tumors (cancer, non-cancer), brain hemorrhage and other (surgical procedure, prolonged epilepticus, exposure to toxins). 

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury are life changing neurological conditions that can have a significant socioeconomic as well as psychosocial impact for patients and caregivers. Patients who are affected are faced with long-standing, and often permanent, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical changes and consequences. However, rehabilitation can help deal with these new changes or help with chronic disabling changes from ABI or SCI when re-implemented. 

Rehabilitation as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a set of interventions needed when a person is experiencing limitations in everyday functioning due to aging or a health condition, including chronic diseases or disorders, injuries or traumas. Rehabilitation is a highly person-centered health strategy that may be delivered in various ways. Some rehabilitation services are offered through Inpatient Facilities: Acute Rehabilitation Units, Subacute Rehabilitation Units, Skilled Nurse Facilities or Long-Term Care Facilities. There are also Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities as well as services integrated into other rehabilitation programs (Primary Health Care, Mental Health, Vision, Hearing programs).  Advancements in healthcare have led to the availability of very specialized rehabilitation centers for ABI and SCI in many communities. These centers combine inter-disciplinary treatments that cater to the injury specific needs of persons affected. Some examples of specific programs include, but are not limited to, Stroke, Brain Trauma, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Orthopedic, Sports Physical, Vestibular, Return-to-Work, and Neuro-Developmental Programs.

Rehabilitation is a highly integrated form of health care that complements other health interventions. It can help minimize or slow down disabling effects of ABI or SCI by teaching physical and mental self-management strategies, or by providing and implementing the use of assistive products. Rehabilitation is clearly considered an investment with significant cost-benefits for persons affected and for society. It can help avoid costly hospitalization, reduce hospital length of stay and prevent readmissions. As stated by the United Spinal Association the goal of rehabilitation is to help persons learn how to optimize recovery and care for a body that works differently. It aims to obtain or maintain a high level of health that avoids secondary complications of ABI or SCI and chronic disability, and to reintegrate oneself back into the community.   

• Car accidents
• Falls
• Acts of violence
• Extracurricular activities
• Sports
• Alcohol-related
• Disease



Spinal cord injuries are particularly prevalent while driving. According to BrainandSpinalCord.org, 42.1% of brain and spine injuries come from motor vehicle accidents, 26.7% from falls, 15.1% from acts of violence, and 7.6% from sports incidents. Most of us drive every day without considering the risks of debilitating injury.

Brain and spinal cord injuries can severely impact your work performance and employability. Out of all US brain and spinal cord injury patients, only 11.5% are employed and working one year after their injury. Only 35.4% of TMI and spine injury patients are employed 20 years after their injury.

The most common cause of traumatic brain injury is a substantial blow to the head (head trauma). It can be brought on from foreign objects (bullets, weapons, rocks, etc), as well as bone fragments penetrating brain tissue.

• Stroke
• Tumors
• Infections or inflammation
• Lack of oxygen
• Cancer and other illnesses