What causes a brain injury?

A brain injury is damage to the brain that is caused by an external force. This can be a physical blow to the head, such as from a car accident, a sports injury, or a fall, or it can be caused by a lack of oxygen, such as from a stroke or cardiac arrest.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are brain injuries that are caused by a physical blow to the head. TBIs can range in severity from mild (a concussion) to severe (a coma). Severe TBIs can cause permanent damage to the brain and can lead to death.

Anoxic brain injuries are brain injuries that are caused by a lack of oxygen. Anoxic brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways, including:

* Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a blood clot, a burst blood vessel, or a narrowing of the arteries.

* Cardiac arrest: Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. This can be caused by a heart attack, an arrhythmia, or an electrical shock.

* Near-drowning: Near-drowning occurs when a person nearly drowns and is deprived of oxygen for a period of time.

* Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a person inhales carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, and it can be fatal.

Anoxic brain injuries can be very serious and can lead to permanent damage to the brain.