Resources

Injuries caused by an external force to the head.

• Concussion (Mild TBI): A temporary disruption of brain function caused by a blow or jolt to the head.

• Moderate TBI: Brain injury with longer periods of unconsciousness and more serious symptoms than a concussion.

• Severe TBI: Major injury with extended unconsciousness or coma and lasting impairments.

• Penetrating TBI: Occurs when an object enters the skull and damages brain tissue (e.g., gunshot wound).

• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread tearing of nerve fibers from violent shaking or rotation, often seen in vehicle accidents.

Injuries that occur after birth and are not caused by external trauma. They result from internal events or processes.

• Stroke: Interruption of blood flow to the brain (blockage or bleeding) causing brain cell death.

• Anoxia: Complete lack of oxygen to the brain.

• Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen supply to the brain.

• Brain Tumor: Abnormal growth in or near the brain that disrupts structure or function.

• Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis): Inflammation or damage caused by viruses or bacteria.

• Toxic Exposure: Damage from harmful substances like carbon monoxide, heavy metals, or prolonged drug use.

• Metabolic or Systemic Causes: Conditions like liver or kidney failure that indirectly damage brain tissue.

Diseases that cause progressive damage to brain cells over time.

• Dementia: A group of conditions that cause decline in memory, thinking, and behavior.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form of dementia; involves brain cell death and shrinking of brain regions.

• Parkinson’s Disease: Affects movement and can also impair cognition as it progresses.

• Huntington’s Disease: Genetic disorder causing gradual breakdown of brain nerve cells.

Chronic or severe emotional trauma that leads to structural and functional brain changes, especially during development.

• Complex Trauma: Repeated, prolonged exposure to adverse experiences (e.g., abuse, neglect) that disrupts emotional and cognitive brain development.

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A condition resulting from overwhelming stress that alters brain activity, particularly in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain injury from oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow, often at birth or after cardiac arrest.

• Surgical/Medical Complications: Brain injury resulting from procedures, anesthesia accidents, or medical errors.

• Autoimmune Encephalitis: Immune system attacks brain cells, causing inflammation and dysfunction.

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain injury from oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow, often at birth or after cardiac arrest.

• Surgical/Medical Complications: Brain injury resulting from procedures, anesthesia accidents, or medical errors.

• Autoimmune Encephalitis: Immune system attacks brain cells, causing inflammation and dysfunction.