Understanding Acquired Brain Injury

Just as Serious as TBI

While most people only think of trauma when thinking about brain injuries, the fact is that acquired brain injuries account for nearly one million cases of brain injury each year. Just like with traumatic brain injuries, survivors of ABI often have to relearn how to live and complete daily tasks, and family members must make life adjustments in order to accommodate their loved ones.

What is an ABI?

Acquired brain injuries can come from a variety of causes, including stroke or lack of oxygen to the brain. However, injuries to the brain that are suffered at birth or that are degenerative in nature, such as Parkinson’s disease, are not considered to fall under the definition of ABI.

Survivors of ABI come from all walks of life, and their injuries can cause a litany of effects that range from mild to severe. Some individuals who have suffered an ABI will require constant care while others may be able to live independently.

Rehabilitation & Hope

The brain is a miraculous organ, and it has the ability to reroute signals from damaged areas to non-damaged areas. As a result, individuals who have been affected by an ABI may be able to retrain their brains.

Because each case of ABI is unique, there is no set method of treatment. Often, a combination of therapies will be used, including music therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. However, survivors often need to undergo rehabilitation. This process involves the survivor relearning how to perform daily activities; with enough time, many will make significant progress in recovery.

Resources for Survivors & Loved Ones

If you’ve been affected by an acquired brain injury or if you’re the loved one or caregiver of a survivor, we encourage you to take the time to get involved with our social TBI community. There, you can find resources designed to answer your questions, and you can connect with others who have been affected. Our goal is to provide a caring, understanding community for people just like you who are trying to learn as much as possible about life after an ABI.