An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. Essentially, this type of brain injury is one that has occurred after birth. The injury results in a change to the brain’s neuronal activity, which affects the physical integrity, metabolic activity, or functional ability of nerve cells in the brain.
There are two types of acquired brain injury: traumatic and non-traumatic.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. Traumatic impact injuries can be defined as closed (or non-penetrating) or open (penetrating).
Often referred to as an acquired brain injury, a non-traumatic brain injury causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, etc. Read on for an overview of some of the common causes of brain injury.
| Traumatic Brain Injury Causes | Non-Traumatic Brain Injury Causes |
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While the list above is certainly not exhaustive, it includes many of the most common causes of injury. Click through the “Continue Reading” sections below to learn more about injury severity, terms you might hear at the hospital, and what to expect after a brain injury.
For personalized support and resources, contact BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 or email us at info@biausa.org. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions of our website for more information.
