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What is a Brain Injury?

A brain injury is an injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not congenital, degenerative, or hereditary. The injury results in a change in the brain’s neuronal activity. There are two types of brain injury: Traumatic Brain Injury and Acquired Brain Injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI is caused by an external factor such as a bump, blow or jolt to the head, that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can be defined as closed (non-penetrating) or open (penetrating). The severity of a TBI may range from mild (for example, concussion) to severe.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

An ABI is an alteration in brain functioning or pathology caused by internal factors such as a lack of oxygen. 

A brain injury may produce an altered or diminished state of consciousness, and result in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability.

 

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CAUSES

  • Falls

  • Assaults

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Sports/Recreation Injuries

  • Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)

  • Gunshot Wounds

  • Workplace Injuries

  • Child Abuse

  • Domestic Violence

  • Military Actions (Blast Injury)

NON-TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CAUSES

  • Stroke (Hemorrhage, Blood Clot)

  • Infectious Disease

  • Meningitis

  • Encephalitis

  • Seizure

  • Electric Shock

  • Tumors

  • Metabolic Disorders

  • Neurotoxic Poisoning (Carbon Monoxide, Lead Exposure)

  • Lack of Oxygen (Drowning, Choking, Hypoxic/Anoxic Injury)

  • Drug Overdose