A brain injury is an injury to the brain that happens any time after birth. It can be caused by traumatic events such as accidents, assaults, falls or sporting injuries, or by non-traumatic causes such as infection, disease or medical complications.
Browse through the sections below to find out more about the different types of brain injury, including how they are caused, diagnosed and treated.
13 topics
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Learn more about Brain abscess →
Brain abscess
A brain abscess is a medical emergency in which a pus-filled swelling forms in the brain, usually caused by an infection. While rare, it is a very serious condition and needs urgent treatment.
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Learn more about Brain aneurysm →
Brain aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a blister-like swelling in the wall of a weakened blood vessel in the brain.
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Learn more about Brain haemorrhage →
Brain haemorrhage
A brain haemorrhage is bleeding in or around the brain. It is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.
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Learn more about Brain tumour →
Brain tumour
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. The tumour can affect surrounding brain tissue by placing it under pressure or directly damaging it.
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Learn more about Carbon monoxide poisoning →
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a poisoning of the brain as a result of carbon monoxide (CO) replacing oxygen in the atmosphere.
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Learn more about Concussion →
Concussion
Concussion is a mild and often temporary form of brain injury, also called ‘mild traumatic brain injury’ (mTBI). It happens when the brain is shaken inside the skull following a strong force to the head.
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Learn more about Encephalitis →
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a condition in which there is inflammation (swelling) of the brain. It is a serious condition, often caused by infections or the immune system mistakenly attacking the brain.
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Learn more about Hydrocephalus →
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is a build-up of fluid called cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. This can increase pressure and cause damage to the brain.
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Learn more about Hypoxic and anoxic brain injury →
Hypoxic and anoxic brain injury
A complete interruption of the supply of oxygen to the brain is referred to as anoxia. If there is still a partial supply of oxygen, but at a level which is inadequate to maintain normal brain function, this is known as hypoxia.
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Learn more about Meningitis →
Meningitis
Meningitis is a condition in which there is inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.
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Learn more about Stroke →
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency in which there is a disruption of the blood supply to part of the brain. It is a serious condition requiring immediate medical help.
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Learn more about Subdural haematoma →
Subdural haematoma
A haematoma is a collection of blood that has pooled outside of a blood vessel after it has leaked or burst. Subdural haematomas form inside the skull in the subdural space.
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Learn more about Traumatic brain injury →
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force to the head, such as a strong blow or a knock.