Brain injuries can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Brain injuries can happen to anyone, from newborns to seniors. Children under the age of four, seniors and young adults from 15 to 24 years old are most at risk of brain injuries. You don’t even have to have to an open head wound to have a brain injury; a sharp jolt to your body that jars your head can cause a brain injury. You may not even lose consciousness. Here are some common causes of brain injuries.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A TBI is an injury in which there is a blow to the head or other damage to the head. These types of events include:
- Sports injuries, especially from sports that are high-impact or extreme, such as skateboarding, football, baseball, motocross, and many more. Youth are at a higher risk because their bones are still developing.
- Vehicle collisions including those involving bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Violence, domestic violence assaults and child abuse, gunshot victims, or shaken baby syndrome can cause a TBI.
- Falls, hitting your head on the bathtub or concrete can injure your brain. Older adults are at risk, as are small children.
Causes of Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries that occur because of an illness or chronic condition are called “acquired brain injuries” (ABI). A brain infection that causes inflammation can damage the brain permanently. Strokes are the leading cause of ABI, making older adults most at-risk, but tumors, a lack of oxygen, or cancer can also cause ABI.
Symptoms of ABI and TBI
Brain injuries, no matter how they occur, can cause many symptoms. There may be physical symptoms, such as paralysis, dizziness, hearing loss, or loss of vision. Some people experience intellectual problems or changes in their cognitive skills. A brain injury can make it more difficult to process information or communicate. Some patients with a brain injury have behavioral changes or social problems. Emotional and mental health issues are also a concern. A brain injury can affect a person for life across the spectrum. You should check with a doctor if you experience any adverse symptoms after you’ve hit your head or been injured. Many symptoms are often subtle changes that people tend to ignore.
Were You Injured?
If you or a loved one has a brain injury that was due to someone else’s negligence, you should speak to a brain injury lawyer, about your rights. There may be compensation to help you take care of medical bills now and in the future.
