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Every year, millions of people and their families face the life-altering consequences of an acquired brain injury (ABI). An ABI is any damage to the brain that occurs after birth, whether from a sudden blow to the head, an unexpected medical event like a stroke, or even an infection. Unlike hereditary or congenital brain conditions, ABIs can happen to anyone, often in the blink of an eye.
In the United States alone, over 2.8 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, and TBIs are just one category of acquired brain injuries [CDC TBI Data]. At State Law Firm, our attorneys have seen firsthand how overwhelming these injuries can be for victims and their loved ones. As a boutique personal injury firm based in Sherman Oaks, we take pride in guiding clients through some of life’s most challenging moments and fighting for the compensation they deserve.
In this article, we break down what an acquired brain injury is, explore the most common causes, highlight key risk factors, and share practical steps you can take to help prevent these devastating injuries. We hope this resource empowers you to stay informed and protected — and reminds you that if the unthinkable does happen, you don’t have to face it alone.
Defining Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs)
You might be surprised to learn just how common acquired brain injuries are. An acquired brain injury — or ABI for short — is any brain damage that occurs after birth, rather than from genetics or congenital conditions. This means it can happen to anyone at any point in life.
ABIs fall into two broad categories. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by an external force, like a sudden blow, a bump, or a violent jolt. These are often the result of accidents, falls, or sports mishaps. On the other hand, non-traumatic brain injuries come from internal causes, such as a lack of oxygen, a stroke, or infections that attack brain tissue—understanding how these injuries occur is the first step toward prevention and improved outcomes. At State Law Firm, we believe in providing you with clear, straightforward information so you can take steps to protect yourself and the people you care about.
The Leading Causes of Acquired Brain Injuries
While it’s impossible to control every aspect of life, understanding the most frequent causes of ABIs can help you make safer choices day to day. Some of the biggest culprits behind acquired brain injuries include:
Head Trauma: This is a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. It can result from slips and falls at home, workplace incidents, car crashes, or even a stray ball during a weekend soccer game. It’s a reminder that even ordinary activities can carry hidden risks.
Stroke: A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Both situations deprive brain cells of oxygen, causing cells to die within minutes if untreated. Quick medical attention is critical.
Lack of Oxygen: Also known as hypoxic or anoxic brain injury, this type of damage can occur from near-drowning, choking, severe asthma attacks, or cardiac arrest. These situations highlight why prompt emergency care can mean the difference between full recovery and lasting disability.
Infections: Illnesses like meningitis and encephalitis inflame brain tissues. Though less common than trauma or strokes, infections can progress quickly, so recognizing symptoms and getting early treatment are essential.
Keep in mind that injuries that may seem minor at first can worsen if left unattended. If you hit your head or notice unusual symptoms afterward, such as headaches, confusion, or changes in behavior, get medical help right away. Early detection can prevent complications.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Its Prevalence
Traumatic brain injuries get a lot of attention, and rightly so: they are one of the most reported and most devastating forms of brain injury in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 2.8 million TBIs occur annually in the U.S. alone ,and this number only captures reported cases. Many mild TBIs go undiagnosed or untreated, causing long-term symptoms that can linger for years.
CoFamiliarources of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing are notorious for concussions. But even biking, skiing, or skateboarding without a helmet can lead to significant head trauma.
- Falls: Particularly among older adults, a simple fall at home can cause a severe brain injury. It’s one of the leading causes of ER visits and hospitalizations for seniors.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes remain a significant source of moderate to severe TBIs. If you’re ever in a collision, our Sherman Oaks car accident lawyers are ready to step in, handle the insurance battle, and protect your rights while you focus on healing.
The good news is that many traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are preventable through simple precautions. Wearing proper headgear during sports, installing handrails at home, and always buckling your seatbelt can make a real difference.
The Role of Non-Traumatic Events in Acquired Brain Injuries
Non-traumatic ABIs may not grab headlines the way sports concussions do, but they’re equally life-altering. These injuries happen internally — without an external force — and often strike without warning.
One of the most common non-traumatic causes is a stroke, which can happen to anyone but is more common in older adults or people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. An aneurysm is another danger: a weakened blood vessel that bursts, causing bleeding inside the brain.
Hypoxic-ischaemic injury occurs when the brain is starved of oxygen. This can follow near-drowning, suffocation, severe allergic reactions, or complications during surgery. The brain is susceptible to oxygen loss, so quick emergency intervention is crucial.
Finally, infections like meningitis or encephalitis, while rarer than trauma or strokes ,can lead to inflammation and swelling that permanently damage brain tissues. Recognizing early warning signs s,uch as severe heheadachesneck stiffness, fever, or confusion c,an save lives.
Learning these risks can help you act fast. Know the signs, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to call for help if something doesn’t feel right.
Risk Factors Contributing to Acquired Brain Injuries
Not all risk factors are indeed within your control, but many are. Awareness helps you minimize the chances of an injury wherever possible.
Age is a bsignificantfactor. Children are naturally adventurous and can be prone to falls and sports injuries. On the other end of the spectrum, older adults face a higher risk of falls due to balance issues or weaker bones.
Lifestyle habits also play a significant role. Heavy drinking, recreational drug use, and risky behaviors like driving without a seatbelt all increase the odds of sustaining a traumatic injury.
Chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes can elevate the risk for strokes and other internal events that cause ABIs.
Small changes can make a difference:
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight to lower your risk of stroke.
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid illicit drugs.
- Make your living space fall-proof — good lighting, secure rugs, and sturdy stair railings can prevent accidents at home.
The Importance of Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of ABIs?
No one can eliminate all risk, but you can certainly stack the odds in your favor. Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to protecting your brain.
At Home: Keep floors free of clutter, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure stairways are well-lit. If you have kids, use safety gates and window guards to prevent falls.
At Work: Follow safety protocols, wear protective equipment, and report hazards. Employers should provide training and maintain a safe work environment to ensure the well-being of their employees.
In Sports and Recreation: Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, or playing contact sports. If you coach or supervise children, educate them on safe play and ensure they use the right gear.
Know the signs of a stroke: Remember the acronym FAST — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Quick treatment saves lives and minimizes lasting damage.
Taking these steps doesn’t mean you have to live cautiously or fearfully. It means you’re giving yourself and your family the best chance to enjoy life to the fullest — safely.
At State Law Firm, we understand how devastating an acquired brain injury can be. If you or someone you love is facing the aftermath of a brain injury, we’re here to answer your questions, stand up for your rights, and help you get the compensation and care you deserve. Reach out to our team today — we’re ready when you need us most.
