4 Common Causes of Brain Injury

Brain injury is a common and serious medical problem. Whether it is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or an acquired brain injury (ABI), it can cause permanent disabilities and even death. 

While you may not be able to eradicate all the risks, being aware of these four common causes of brain injury can help in preventing them.

1. Slips And Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of brain injury, which can unfortunately happen to anyone at any time of the day. Accidents related to slipping and falling can take a serious toll on anyone’s physical and mental well-being. The severity of the injury depends on the way you fall and its angle, as even a short distance can result in serious consequences. 

Slipping or tripping at work due to an unsafe environment can lead to traumatic brain injuries, often resulting in irreversible damage or disability. It’s best to visit a medical professional immediately after an accident to get proper care and attention.

You may also consider visiting a lawyer if the incident happened at work so that you can get compensated for the damages accordingly. This is especially important for workers who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits since filing a case might be more complicated than usual.

To understand your options better, visit the website of lawyers specializing in slip and falls at work to learn how to file for a case if needed. If handled correctly and swiftly, it may serve as protection from employers attempting to deny payment or coverage after such an incident has occurred. Although winning cases surrounding such scenarios isn’t always possible, having the proper representation by your side will most likely improve your chances significantly. That said, slips and falls at work should never be taken lightly. They often lead to painful brain injuries, which are sometimes difficult to treat or cure if negligence is involved on behalf of employers or owners of businesses/property.

2. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are also among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, depending on the severity of the impact. Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are responsible for more than half of all traumatic brain injuries. When a person is in a car accident and experiences a sudden change or jolt, it causes their brain to move rapidly inside their skull, resulting in bruising and damage to nerve cells. Even if there is no external injury to the head, it can still cause head trauma because of the rapid movement of the brain against its inner walls. This type of head trauma can result in significant physical and emotional symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and mood swings. The long-term effects of such an injury may be life-altering and require lifelong treatments, including rehabilitation therapies and medications.

For this reason, you must take appropriate safety precautions while driving. Wearing a seatbelt, driving slowly, following safety guidelines, and being mindful of others on the road are essential measures in preventing motor vehicle accidents and reducing their potential for causing brain injuries.  

3. Sports Injuries

As anyone who has ever dealt with a sports-related injury can tell you, the risks associated with physical activities extend far beyond the apparent risks of strains and sprains. One of the more serious yet lesser-known risks is a brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are becoming increasingly prevalent due to high-contact sports like football and ice hockey. These injuries stem from blunt-force trauma and repeated blows to the head from collisions in these aggressive sports.

While there are many ways to prevent injuries, such as wearing protective gear, equipment is often not enough to protect athletes completely from potential harm. As such, coaches and trainers must be fully aware of how to spot signs of a brain injury to intervene quickly before any further damage is done. With proper preventive measures in place, you can continue to enjoy sports while helping to reduce the risk of TBIs.

4. Medical Conditions And Infections

Medical conditions and infections can cause acquired brain injury in various ways, from direct alterations to brain function to secondary effects on the nervous system. Among the medical conditions that cause brain injury is stroke, as a clot or bleeding in the brain disrupts blood flow and oxygen delivery. Tumors can also be a source of tissue damage, either by physical pressure applied to delicate regions or due to a tumor’s ability to absorb or interrupt everyday communication between cells.

Infections such as meningitis may cause inflammation that puts pressure on sensitive tissues or have damaging effects at the cellular level. Furthermore, metabolic conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure increase the risk of severe neurological events due to chemical imbalances in the body. Ultimately, brain injury can occur through various medical conditions and infections, making it essential for doctors to look for these potential causes when assessing patients with neurological issues.

Conclusion

Brain injury is a serious, often life-altering injury that can have significant consequences for both the individual and their loved ones. As such, you must take steps to prevent brain injuries from occurring in various contexts, whether through careful driving, protective sports gear, or medical attention. By becoming aware of the many causes of brain injury, you can help safeguard yourself and those around you from harm.