Brain Trauma Causes

Trauma to the brain is a serious medical condition that can result in temporary or permanent disability, as well as death. The severity of brain trauma depends on the location of the injury, amount of swelling and the force of impact, and any type of injury to the head should be evaluated by a doctor to avoid potentially life threatening complications.

Accidents

• According to the National Library of Medicine, accidents around the home and outdoors can cause brain trauma. Playing sports such as hockey, baseball or softball can result in brain trauma if the head is hit by a puck or ball and no helmet is in place for protection. Jobs and hobbies including the use of power tools such as nail guns, staple guns and power saws can also result in brain trauma if the equipment is in disrepair or used with negligence.

Blood Disorders

• Blood disorders and disease of the arteries and veins within the brain can be a cause of brain trauma, according to the Mayo Clinic. Aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, amyloid angiopathy and tumors in the blood vessels of the brain can cause internal swelling that results in brain trauma. Disorders of the blood, which include hemophilia, hypertension and sickle cell anemia, can also be a cause of brain trauma.

Collisions

• According to the Mayo Clinic, vehicle collisions including those involving bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks, cause the majority of brain trauma. Brain trauma can be a result of the speed of travel during a collision, especially in motor vehicles. Brain trauma that occurs in bicyclists is often due to the impact of blunt force on the head either from direct contact with a vehicle contact with a concrete or dirt road.

Explosives

• Being in the vicinity of an explosion is a cause of brain trauma, according to the Mayo Clinic. Military personnel on active duty may come into contact with land mines, bombs or other types of explosive devices that can cause brain trauma. Improper use of fireworks, which are another type of explosive, can also be a cause of brain trauma as well as bodily injuries.

Falls

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are a common cause of brain trauma in people of all ages. Falls around the home may occur while climbing a ladder or stairs; showering; or simply losing balance. Children may fall while climbing stairs, especially if they are in a "walker" or exersaucer; children may also climb onto shelves, countertops and windows and experience a fall that can cause a traumatic brain injury.

Violence

• Violence, which includes firearms, assault and child abuse causes about twenty percent of brain trauma cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Infants and children who are shaken can experience a type of traumatic brain injury known as "Shaken Baby Syndrome". Other types of violence, including being punched, kicked, thrown, or shot in the head with a gun can also cause brain trauma.