Types of brain injury
An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury caused to the brain since birth. There are many possible causes, including a fall, a road accident, tumour and stroke.
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head (head injury). There are many possible causes, including road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents at home or at work.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be wide ranging, and depend on a number of factors such as the type, location and severity of injury.
Other forms of acquired brain injury
Acquired brain injury covers all situations in which brain injury has occurred since birth, and includes traumatic brain injury as well as tumour, stroke, brain haemorrhage and encephalitis, to name a few.
The effects are often very similar to those of traumatic brain injury, but there are key differences that make treating and coping with acquired brain injury quite different.
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Get more information on some of the common causes of acquired brain injury:
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head (head injury)
Find out moreMild head injury and concussion
Essential information on the causes, effects and possible complications of mild head injury, also known as concussion
Find out moreStroke
A stroke is an emergency condition in which there is a disruption of blood supply to part of the brain, leading to brain injury.
Find out moreBrain aneurysm
A brain or cerebral aneurysm occurs when the wall of an artery or blood vessel in the brain is weakened, causing it to swell into a blister-like shape
Find out moreBrain haemorrhage
A brain haemorrhage is bleeding in or around the brain either as a result of ruptured aneurysm, known as a haemorrhagic stroke, or following a significant blow to the head.
Find out moreBrain tumour
A brain tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue inside the skull, which is caused by cells dividing at an increased speed.
Find out moreCarbon monoxide poisoning
CO exposure can lead to hypoxic brain injury. This section explains what CO poisoning is, its symptoms, treatment and how to prevent it.
Find out moreEncephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, most often caused by infections.
Find out moreHydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is caused by a buildup of fluid inside the skull, which can increase pressure and cause damage to the brain.
Find out moreHypoxic and anoxic brain injury
If the oxygen supply is interrupted, the functioning of the brain is disturbed immediately and irreversible damage can quickly follow.
Find out moreMeningitis
Meningitis is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection that can cause inflammation of the protective membranes that line the brain (the meninges).
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