Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

Though brain injuries are often serious, they are not always obvious. A brain injury is not always accompanied by a skull fracture, an open head wound, or penetration of a foreign object. Brain injuries that lack these features are called “closed injuries” and can be more difficult to diagnose. It becomes necessary to observe for behavioral, emotional, or physical changes.

It may help to know what can cause brain injuries in the first place. There are two basic types of brain injuries — acquired injuries and traumatic injuries. Each can affect either children or adults. Some may be present at birth.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are those that result from an accident that involves one or more blows to the head or penetration through the skull into the brain. Falls and motor vehicle accidents account for a number of TBI. Other possible causes include the following:

Sports Injuries

During contact sports, athletes frequently crash into each other or knock each other over. The force of these collisions can result in TBI.

Whiplash

During a car accident, the head may whip violently back and forth from the force of the collision. This can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.

Shaking

A physical attack may take the form of someone grabbing the patient by the shoulders and shaking him or her violently back and forth. This can cause tearing of the nerve tissues.

Penetration

If a foreign object, such as a bullet or a sharp object, were to enter through the skull into the brain, it could cause significant damage.

Explosions

Doctors who treat active-duty military personnel have found that TBI can result from explosive blasts. However, they are not entirely sure what specifically causes the damage.

Acquired Brain Injuries

When it is not an accident or trauma, but instead an illness or medical condition that damages the brain, the resulting injuries are called acquired brain injuries. Injuries of this nature may be acquired in the womb, during birth, during childhood, or as an adult. Possible causes include the following:

• Infection of the brain or central nervous system
• Cancer
• Benign tumors
• Hypoxia, i.e., lack of oxygen

The most common cause of an acquired brain injury is a stroke, which is a lack of blood flow to the brain due to a blocked or burst blood vessel.

The most important thing to do for a brain injury is to obtain prompt medical attention. After that, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney to see if you have a case. Contact a brain injury lawyer, to schedule a consultation.