Traumatic vs. Non-Traumatic Brain Injury: An Overview

Brain injuries change daily life in a blink. We see it after car wrecks, workplace falls, slip and falls, or assaults, and the ripple effects touch work, family, and health. At The Leach Firm, P.A., available 24/7 for clients in Florida and Georgia, we keep it real and share the info you need to choose a smart path forward. Our goal here is simple: explain the difference between traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, so you can spot issues, seek care, and protect your rights.

What is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

Acquired Brain Injury, or ABI, is any brain injury that happens after birth. It does not include hereditary or congenital issues, degenerative diseases, or injuries tied to the birthing process. ABI changes how neurons work, which can affect the structure, energy use, and function of brain cells.

ABI has two main groups. Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, comes from an external force. Non-traumatic brain injury, or non-TBI, comes from internal processes like stroke, tumors, infection, or lack of oxygen.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Injury from External Forces

A TBI is caused by an outside force that alters brain function or shows other signs of brain damage. It is not limited to a hit to the head. The brain can be injured when it moves quickly inside the skull, such as with whiplash in a rear-end crash.

Doctors often describe closed head injuries – non-penetrating, and open head injuries – penetrating. Both can be mild, moderate, or severe, and both deserve quick medical attention.

Common causes of TBI include:

• Falls
• Violence or assaults
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Gunshot wounds
• Explosions
• Shaken baby syndrome

In Florida and Georgia personal injury cases, linking the crash, fall, or violent act to the TBI is central to a claim for compensation. Medical records, imaging, symptom timelines, and witness statements help show that connection.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (Non-TBI): Damage from Internal Factors

Non-TBIs come from internal processes, not an outside blow or jolt. The trigger can be a blocked or bleeding blood vessel, an infectious disease, toxins, a growing mass, or a drop in oxygen delivery.

The brain is very sensitive to metabolic shifts. Severe drops in blood sugar, liver failure, or kidney failure can injure brain cells and lead to a non-TBI.

Common causes of non-TBI include:

• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Extreme changes in metabolism
• Infection or infectious disease, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Autoimmune reaction
• Tumor
• Exposure to toxins
• Anoxia, lack of oxygen

Whether the harm comes from within or from an external hit, the outcome can look similar on the surface. The source matters for treatment, future risks, and legal strategy if someone else caused the event.

Common Symptoms of Acquired Brain Injuries (TBI and Non-TBI)

Every brain is different, so two people with the same scan can feel very different day to day. Some people with a mild TBI never lose consciousness, then try to push through symptoms, which delays care. Others feel fine at first, then headaches or fog set in hours later.

Below is a quick look at short-term and long-term symptoms commonly reported after an ABI:

Category	Examples
Short-term	Dizziness or balance problems. Vision changes. Poor coordination. Headaches. Difficulty speaking or slurred speech. Fatigue or drowsiness. Ringing in the ears, bad taste or smell changes. Sensitivity to light or sound. Loss of consciousness – momentary or longer. Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented. Memory or concentration problems. Mood swings or agitation. Unusual behavior. Feeling depressed or anxious. Seizures. One or both pupils enlarged. Clear fluid from nose or ears. Weakness or numbness in fingers or toes. Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual.
Long-term	Cognitive problems that affect memory, learning, judgment, and focus. Trouble with executive skills, such as planning, organizing, decision-making, and starting tasks. Problems with speech, writing, or everyday communication. Difficulty reading body language or joining conversations. Ongoing sensory issues like blind spots, strong odors, or ringing in the ears. Emotional changes and mental health conditions. Lack of inhibition, risky or impulsive behavior. Seizures. Pressure or swelling inside the skull. Blood vessel damage. Vertigo or ongoing dizziness. Infections. Degenerative brain conditions.

 

If you notice warning signs after a crash, fall, or sudden medical event, get checked as soon as you can. Early care helps reduce complications and also documents what happened, which matters in injury claims in Florida and Georgia.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Any suspected brain injury deserves prompt medical care. First responders and emergency teams focus on breathing, oxygen delivery, circulation, and stabilizing the neck and head.

Doctors sometimes use medicines to limit damage or control symptoms. Those can include anti-seizure drugs, coma-inducing medicines to lower brain activity, or diuretics to reduce fluid and pressure.

With more serious damage, surgery can repair bleeding or fractures, remove clots, or relieve pressure inside the skull. Not everyone needs surgery, but early imaging helps guide the decision.

Recovery often includes rehabilitation, especially after moderate and severe injuries. Rehab can start in the hospital and continue in outpatient programs or at home with therapy teams.

People often need to relearn basic tasks and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, IADLs. This can include walking, swallowing, dressing, meal prep, money management, and driving readiness.

Healing is not just physical. Support groups and therapy help people process changes, handle mood shifts, and rebuild relationships. Families benefit from coaching on how to help without doing every task for the injured person.

Pursuing Justice with The Leach Firm, P.A.

If a TBI or non-TBI happened because someone else acted carelessly in Florida or Georgia, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Building a strong claim calls for prompt medical evaluation, careful documentation, and a straightforward plan.

Contact The Leach Firm, P.A., for a consultation to discuss your options. Call 844-722-7567 or visit our Contact Us page. We are dedicated to seeking the results you need and deserve.