Causes of Brain Injury
Assault
Physical assault is a major cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with young men between the ages of 20 and 24 being the most vulnerable.
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Almost everything we do, say and think is controlled by our brain, so when our brain is injured, it has the potential to affect every aspect of life.
The brain itself is a complex organ. Its many parts deal with different aspects of what we think, feel and do – so injury to specific areas can cause many different problems to arise. The brain and the rest of our body communicate back and forth through the nervous system and its pathways.
Causes of Brain Injury
Concussion / Mild TBI
Concussion is the most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting around 42 million people worldwide each year. It is the result of a physical blow or sudden jolt that forces the brain to move within the skull.
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Age-related Brain Injury
Ageing is a risk factor for acquiring a brain injury, particularly over the age of 65. As we get older, our chance of developing dementia rises. So too does the likelihood of falls that result in brain injury. We might not be able to stop either from happening, but there are ways to reduce the risk and manage symptoms.
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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Repeated, mild ABIs, such as concussions experienced by professional sports people like boxers and footballers, can be related to a neurodegenerative condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
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Infections and Diseases
Infections that cause swelling in the brain or the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meninges) can result in acquired brain injury (ABI).
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Degenerative Conditions
There are a number of degenerative conditions that lead to brain injury. Dementia is a category of brain diseases that result in memory loss and deterioration of speech, motor skills and cognitive functioning as it progresses.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a range of impairments that can develop in an individual due to exposure to alcohol in the womb.
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Brain tumours and brain cancer
Brain tumours can affect brain function in a number of ways and to varying degrees, depending on where they grow and how severe they are.
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Alcohol & Drug Related Brain Injury
Alcohol is a poison, or neurotoxin, that can cause injury to the brain. This is known as Alcohol Related Brain Injury (ARBI). Other drugs - which fall into the category of stimulants, depressants or hallucinogens - can also lead to impairments.
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Anoxic and Hypoxic Brain Injury (lack of oxygen)
Brain injury can occur when there is a reduction in (hypoxic) or complete lack of (anoxic) oxygen supply to the brain.
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Dementia and brain injury
Dementia is a category of brain diseases that result in memory loss and deterioration of speech, motor skills and cognitive functioning as it progresses.
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Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by either a blow to the head or by the head being forced to move rapidly forwards or backwards.
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Stroke
A stroke is an interruption of blood supply to part of the brain. If arteries become blocked, bleed or break, then the brain tissue is damaged, causing brain injury.
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