What is a Brain Injury?

Brain injuries are more common than you might think

About 1 in 4 people in the United States have experienced a brain injury during their lifetime. A brain injury is a physical change in the brain that affects its ability to work and perform its normal tasks. Brain injuries resulting from either an external force or an internal cause are called acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

1. External force: These ABIs are caused by something outside the body.

• Hitting your head on an object, such as the ground, due to a fall
• A hit or force to the head or a blow to the body that causes the head to “whiplash”
• An object entering the skull and brain, such as from a gunshot
• A blast wave from an explosion

2. Internal cause: These ABIs are caused by a problem inside the body.

• A blood clot
• Brain tumor
• Lack of or limited oxygen to the brain (such as from a drug overdose)
• Metabolic disorders (such as those due to diabetes, organ failure, or a lack of important vitamins)
• A viral or bacterial infection
• Seizure
• Poisoning or exposure to a toxin (such as when a person is exposed to high amounts of lead, carbon monoxide, or smoke inhalation from a fire)
• Side effects from a medication or medical procedure

Learn more about the different types of brain injuries.

A person with a brain injury needs to be seen by a medical professional

The sooner a person gets care after a brain injury, the better the chance for good health outcomes. Many of the chronic or long-term health problems that may result from a brain injury may be prevented or lessened with appropriate medical care. Learn more about:

• Where to find care and support
• Rehabilitation and community-based treatment options

Access to rehabilitation services can improve recovery

Recovery is different for everyone. Some people have a good recovery, while others may have long-term challenges and need ongoing support. Some people may need rehabilitation to help improve movement, speech, thinking, and daily living skills. There are things you can do to help yourself or your loved one after a brain injury. Get tips on:

• Getting back to activities, like driving, school, work, and physical activities and sports
• Caring for a loved one at home
• Paying for care, including medications, and applying for social security benefits and Medicaid

Advances in research and care are improving outcomes for people living with brain injury

We now know that the brain can adapt and heal in many cases. Research shows:

• The brain can form new connections (neuroplasticity)
• Recovery can happen across the lifespan, no matter a person’s age

Learn more about the role of brain health after brain injury.

At the same time, earlier diagnosis is improving access to care, awareness of brain injury is growing, and research and education efforts continue to expand. Learn how you can get involved.

Stay connected to others during recovery

You or your loved one may feel frustrated, sad, and even angry after a brain injury. These feelings are normal. Staying in contact and talking with friends and loved ones about these changes may help. Be sure to also talk with your medical professional if you feel anxious, sad, or hopeless, and about any changes in mental health and emotions that get worse or don’t go away. Your medical professional has treatments that can help you. Read more about:

• Self-care
• Support groups

There are several ways to lower the risk of brain injury

Stroke, falls, car crashes, and sports-related collisions (like getting tackled in football) are a few common causes of brain injuries. Preventing another brain injury is an important part of care and recovery. Learn effective ways to lower the risk of brain injury for yourself and your loved ones.

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community