What Are the Most Common Causes of Brain Injury?
Quick answer: Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), followed by motor vehicle crashes, being struck by or against an object, and assaults. Non-traumatic brain injuries, including strokes and oxygen deprivation, also account for a significant share of brain damage cases. Understanding these common brain injuries can help you recognize warning signs, take preventive steps, and know when to seek legal help after an accident.
Brain injuries can change a person’s life in an instant. From memory loss and mood changes to long-term physical disabilities, the effects can ripple through every part of daily living, including work, relationships, and independence. Knowing the causes of brain injury is the first step toward prevention, and it’s also critical if you or someone you love has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence.
Labovitz Law Firm breaks down the most frequent causes of traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, offers practical safety tips, and explains what to do if you’re considering legal action in St. Louis, Missouri.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A
traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force, such as a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury, disrupts normal brain function. This differs from an acquired brain injury, which happens internally, often due to a medical event like a stroke or lack of oxygen.
Both categories can cause lasting damage, but the origin of the injury matters. TBIs are typically caused by an outside impact, while acquired brain injuries develop from conditions inside the body.
What Are the Top Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
1. How Common Are Falls, Slips, and Trips as a Cause of Brain Injury?
Falls are the single most common cause of brain injuries, particularly among young children and older adults. Slips, trips, and falls down stairs or from a bed account for nearly half of all TBI hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
2. How Do Motor Vehicle Crashes Cause Brain Injuries?
Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents are another leading cause of TBIs. During a crash, the sudden force can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
3. What Does “Struck By or Against an Object” Mean in Brain Injury Cases?
This category covers incidents where a person is hit by a falling object or collides with a hard surface, often during sports, recreational activities, or workplace accidents. These impacts can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma, depending on the force involved.
What Other Major Causes of Brain Injuries Exist Beyond Trauma?
How Do Strokes Cause Brain Injury?
A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, cutting off the blood supply to brain tissue. Strokes are the second leading cause of non-traumatic brain injury and can result in permanent damage if not treated quickly.
How Does Oxygen Deprivation Lead to Brain Damage?
Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. Choking, drowning, cardiac arrest, and drug overdose are common causes. Even a
few minutes without oxygen can cause lasting brain injury.
Unlike TBIs, these non-traumatic injuries stem from internal medical events rather than external force, but the resulting damage can be just as severe.
How Can You Prevent Brain Injuries?
Reducing your risk of brain injury starts with a few practical habits:
- Fall prevention: Install handrails, remove tripping hazards, and use non-slip mats, especially for older adults and young children.
- Safe driving: Wear seatbelts, avoid distracted driving, and follow posted speed limits.
- Workplace safety: Wear proper head protection and follow safety protocols on job sites.
- Recognize warning signs: Watch for confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, or sudden severe headaches, all of which can signal a brain injury requiring immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of brain injury?
Falls are the most common cause of brain injuries overall, particularly for young children and older adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What’s the difference between a traumatic and a non-traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury results from an external force, such as a fall or crash, while a non-traumatic brain injury, like a stroke, develops from an internal medical event.
Can a brain injury happen without a direct blow to the head?
Yes. Non-traumatic brain injuries, including strokes and oxygen deprivation, can cause significant brain damage without any external impact.
How do I know if I have a legal case after a brain injury?
If your brain injury resulted from another party’s negligence, such as a car accident, unsafe property conditions, or an assault, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Consulting with Labovitz Law Firm can help clarify your options.
What should I do immediately after a suspected brain injury?
Seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms seem mild. Document the incident and consult with Labovitz Law Firm if negligence may have played a role.
When Should You Seek Legal Help After a Brain Injury?
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can add up quickly, and you shouldn’t have to face them alone.
Labovitz Law Firm helps brain injury victims in St. Louis, Missouri, understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact Labovitz Law Firm today for a free consultation.
