Brain injury is often a misunderstood and misdiagnosed neurological disease. While many of us never think about brain trauma affecting us or our loved ones, it is a more common occurrence than some might think. Listed below are five causes of brain injury that might seem rather surprising.
1. A Bacterial or Viral Infection
Most people never dream that contracting a bacterial or viral infection could ever lead to brain damage. However, if bacterium from an infection enters the bloodstream or a viral infection leads to encephalitis, (a condition where the brain becomes irritated or swollen), brain injury can occur.
2. Falling
Many older adults suffer from falls due to problems with arthritis and other health issues. Children and teens sometimes take tumbles off bicycles and skateboards. In fact, just about everyone has slipped and fallen at some time or another. While most of these falls cause minimal damage, such as a sprained limb or at worst a broken bone, when the head is struck during the fall and the force of the strike is hard enough to penetrate or fracture the skull, brain injury can result.
3. Physical Violence
Unfortunately, domestic and child abuse are both very prevalent today. The crime rate is also up with physical assaults topping the list. When a victim of one of these crimes is attacked, lasting head injuries often occur. Depending on the severity of the head injury, the brain can also be effected. A brain injury can occur if the head is brutally struck or if the victim is shaken violently. This happens in a surprising number of cases.
4. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Each year, thousands of people suffer from brain injuries due to motor vehicle accidents. Brain trauma can occur when a person is violently thrown through the windshield of the car, struck by the air bag or vehemently shaken during impact. A brain injury lawyer, such as those at Cummings Andrews Mackay LLP., should be consulted any time brain trauma occurs due to the neglect of another party.
5. Near Drowning or Choking
Going for a relaxing swim or eating a delicious meal can both be very enjoyable experiences. However, when a person begins choking while eating, or begins to drown during a swim, the brain can be deprived of oxygen. If the deprivation is for a prolonged period, brain damage can occur.
Any time the brain is injured, normal brain function is disrupted and the victim can suffer with debilitating and life-changing problems. For this reason, it is important to know the potential causes of a brain injury and to seek medical treatment as soon as possible when brain trauma occurs.