What is Acquired Brain Injury?
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) occurs when an abrupt, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. ABI is a broad term that describes a broad spectrum of injuries that can occur to the brain. The intensity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. ABIs are also commonly referred to as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
What are the different types of ABI?
A brain injury occurs in one of two ways:
- Closed brain injury
- Closed brain injuries occur when there is a non-penetrating injury to the brain with no break in the skull. A closed brain injury is commonly caused by a rapid forward and/or backward movement and shaking of the brain inside the skull that results in bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels. Closed brain injuries are usually caused by car accidents and falls.
- Penetrating brain injury
- Penetrating, or open head injuries occur when there is a break in the skull.
