What is the difference between acquired and traumatic brain injury?
A brain injury can be classified as either acquired (ABI) or traumatic (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a TBI is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from “mild” (i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to “moderate” (i.e., a more prolonged change in mental status or consciousness) to “severe” (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). An ABI is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, present at birth, or degenerative in nature. Causes of ABI include any condition which may cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, such as a heart attack, a stroke, a seizure or toxic exposure. Brain injuries can be very difficult to diagnose, especially in the presence of other more immediate physical injuries. It is important to consider that any blow or jo
