What is the Difference Between ABI and TBI

The key difference between ABI and TBI is that ABI is a type of brain injury that happens due to an external force or as a result of a stroke or other illness that affects the brain, while TBI is a type of brain injury that happens only due to an external force.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are two different types of brain injuries. ABI is caused due to damage to the brain after birth. There are many causes of ABI, including a fall, a road accident, tumour, and stroke. On the other hand, TBI is an injury to the brain that is caused by trauma to the head. The possible causes of TBI include road traffic accidents, assaults, falls, and accidents at home or at work.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is ABI
3. What is TBI
4. Similarities – ABI and TBI
5. ABI vs TBI in Tabular Form
6. Summary – ABI vs TBI

What is ABI?

ABI is a type of brain injury that happens due to an external force or as a result of a stroke or other illness that affects the brain. The term ABI is used to describe all types of brain injuries that occur after birth. The possible causes of ABI may include a fall, a road accident, tumour, stroke, poisoning, infection and other diseases, near drowning or other anoxic episodes, and alcohol or drug abuse. The typical symptoms of ABI include weakness, shaking, stiffness, poor balance, tiredness, sleep pattern changes, seizures, headaches, vision changes, problems with memory, concentration or attention, difficulty with planning, confusion, difficulty with communication, mood swings, irritability, and changes in the personality.

Figure 01: ABI

ABI can be diagnosed through physical examinations, brain scans, and memory tests. Furthermore, treatment options for ABI may include managing underlying conditions like stroke, medications (stimulants like Ritalin to improve memory or Baclofen and Botox to treat spastic muscles, and Prozac to help depression), therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive and behavioural therapy, home therapy, and rehabilitation.

What is TBI?

TBI is a type of brain injury that happens only due to an external force or trauma to the head. The possible causes of TBI are falls, domestic violence, assaults, child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and recreational and work or military-related injuries. The signs and symptoms of TBI include behavioural and mood changes, confusion or memory problems, convulsions, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting or tiredness, nausea and vomiting, restlessness, sensitivity to light and smell, too much sleeping, and slurred speech.

Figure 02: TBI

TBI can be diagnosed through physical examination, neurological evaluation, and imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, and blood test. Furthermore, treatment options for TBI may include counselling, medications (anti-anxiety medication, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and stimulants), surgery (for intracranial bleeding), rehabilitation, resting and returning to typical activities.

What are the Similarities Between ABI and TBI?

ABI and TBI are two different types of brain injuries.
Both types of brain injuries can be caused by external forces or trauma.
They may have similar symptoms, such as tiredness, memory problems, vision problems, changes in mood, etc.
Both types of brain injuries can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging scans.
They are treated through specific medications, therapies, and rehabilitation.

What is the Difference Between ABI and TBI?

ABI is a type of brain injury due to an external force or as a result of a stroke or other illness that affects the brain, while TBI is a type of brain injury that is only due to an external force. Thus, this is the key difference between ABI and TBI. Furthermore, the possible causes of ABI may include a fall, a road accident, tumour, stroke, poisoning, infection and other diseases, near drowning or other anoxic episodes, and alcohol or drug abuse. The possible causes of TBI may include a fall, domestic violence, assaults, child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and recreational, work, or military-related injuries.

The below infographic presents the differences between ABI and TBI in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – ABI vs TBI

Brain injuries cause damage to the brain tissue. ABI and TBI are two different types of brain injuries. Both these brain injuries may have similar symptoms, such as tiredness, memory problems, vision problems, changes in mood, sleep problems, etc. However, ABI is a type of brain injury that is due to an external force or as a result of a stroke or other illness that affects the brain, while TBI is a type of brain injury that is only due to an external force. So, this is the key difference between ABI and TBI.

Reference:

1. “Acquired Brain Injury: Causes, Types, & Treatments for Recovery.” Flint Rehab.
2. “What Are the Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?” Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Brain injury with herniation MRI” By Rehman T, Ali R, Tawil I, Yonas H – Rehman T, Ali R, Tawil I, Yonas H (2008). “Rapid progression of traumatic bifrontal contusions to transtentorial herniation: A case report”. Cases Journal 1 (1): 203. doi:10.1186/1757-1626-1-203. PMID 18831756. (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Kids” By NIH Image Gallery (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr