Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) vs Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The Brain Injury Association has debated the definition of Brain Injury with the intent of making the distinction between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Traumatic Brain Injury results from an external physical force such as might occur in a car accident, sports event, fall, or anything that involves blunt force to the head. Acquired Brain Injury results from an internal event such as a stroke, hemorrhage, brain tumor, infection, poisoning, and so forth. An ABI by definition encompasses TBIs since both injuries occur after birth.

I had a hemorrhagic stroke which would be defined as an ABI. In my experience, I don't see much difference in terms of rehabilitation and recovery regardless of the terminology. Both conditions require an enormous amount of hard work, diligence and perseverance. Brain injury is brain damage, that is, dead brain tissue, and it is always traumatic. Whether acquired, which I believe is a misnomer--it sounds like something sought after or pursued, or traumatic, the injury presents enormous obstacles to overcome.