Are you unsure of the difference between a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and an acquired brain injury (ABI)?

If so, you’re not alone! Most people aren’t aware of the differences between the two. In truth, these are both complex, wide-ranging injuries. Here at TryMunity, we’ve decided it would be helpful to delineate the differences between a TBI and an ABI. We’ve provided definitions of each below, as well as their key characteristics. Check these out, below:

Traumatic Brain Injuries Versus Acquired Brain Injuries: The Basics

An acquired brain injury is a brain injury that has occurred after birth, but is not directly linked to any kind of congenital defect. Various causes of an ABI include (but are not limited to): infection, strokes, substance abuse, trauma, and hypoxia. ABI’s can cause severe cognitive, physical, and behavioral dysfunction in the afflicted individual.

A traumatic brain injury is technically considered to be a subset of the larger group, ABI’s. Essentially, TBI’s result from sudden physical damage to the brain. Common causes of TBI’s include (but are not limited to): strokes, concussions, a lack of oxygen to the brain, toxic exposure, brain bleeding, and general traumatic forces. Other common causes include: car crashes, head gunshot wounds, embolisms, hematomas, and brain hemorrhaging.

TBI’s can be included in the wide umbrella of acquired brain injuries. However, treatment tends to be very different for each of these types of brain injuries.

Join the TryMunity Community – We’re Here for You!

At TryMunity, we provide a vast web of resources and support systems for those afflicted with a traumatic brain injury, or who know of someone who is. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Join the TryMunity community today, and take advantage of all that we offer. We’re always happy to speak with you.