Imagine waking up one day and struggling to remember your best friend's name. Or trying to speak, but the words just won't come out right. For people with an acquired brain injury (ABI), this can be their reality—not from birth, but because of something that happened after they were born.
ABI isn't just one thing—it's an umbrella term for any kind of brain damage that happens later in life, whether from illness, injury, or lack of oxygen. It's different from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which comes from a hit to the head (like a car accident or a fall). ABI can sneak up quietly—maybe after a stroke, a bad infection, or even a near-drowning.
Life can change in an instant. One minute, everything's normal—the next, the brain is under attack. Some common causes of ABI include:
Stroke – When blood stops flowing to part of the brain.
Infections – Like meningitis or encephalitis, which can inflame the brain.
Oxygen deprivation – From a heart attack, choking, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Toxins – Overdoses, heavy metal poisoning, or even long-term alcohol abuse.
Tumors or surgeries – When growths or medical procedures affect brain tissue.
The effects vary wildly from person to person. Some recover almost completely; others face lifelong challenges. Here's what it might look like:
"Why can't I remember?" – Trouble with memory, focus, or making decisions.
"My body won't listen." – Weakness, tremors, or trouble walking.
"I'm not myself anymore." – Mood swings, anger, or depression.
"Everything's too loud, too bright." – Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.
It's frustrating, scary, and isolating—not just for the person with ABI, but for their loved ones, too.
Yes—but it's often a long road. Recovery depends on the injury's severity, the person's health, and the support they get. Treatment might include:
Rehab therapy – Physical, speech, or occupational therapy to relearn skills.
Medications – To manage pain, seizures, or mood changes.
Counseling – Because mental health matters just as much as physical healing.
Support groups – Connecting with others who get it can be life-changing.
Some people bounce back surprisingly well. Others adapt to a "new normal." But with the right help, progress is possible.
✔ Be patient – Recovery takes time, and progress may be slow.
✔ Encourage independence – Let them try tasks on their own, even if it takes longer.
✔ Keep communication simple – Use clear, short sentences if they have trouble processing.
✔ Educate yourself – Learn about their specific challenges to better support them.
✔ Celebrate small wins – Every bit of progress matters.
✔ Take care of yourself too – Supporting someone with ABI can be emotionally draining.
✖ Assume they’re "faking" symptoms – ABI is often invisible but very real.
✖ Overwhelm them – Too much noise, activity, or pressure can trigger stress.
✖ Do everything for them – It’s tempting to help, but they need to rebuild skills.
✖ Take mood swings personally – Frustration and anger are often part of the injury.
✖ Give up on them – Even if progress is slow, support makes a difference.
If you or someone you love is dealing with ABI, know this: help exists. Whether it's finding the right doctor, joining a support group, or just learning more about what to expect, small steps can make a big difference.
💙 You don't have to walk this path alone. At LumiWell Home Care, we understand the challenges of ABI recovery - that's why our compassionate caregivers are here to provide the specialized support your family deserves.
👉 Let's chat over a free consultation - call us at +1(559)318-5004 or visit lumiwell.org to discover how we can bring hope and healing to your home.