Types of Brain Damage

1. Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)- is caused by an external force such

as a blow to the head that causes the brain to move inside the
skull or damages the skull. This in turn damages the brain.

2. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)-occurs at the cellular level. It is most

often associated with pressure on the brain. This could come from a
tumor. Or it could result from neurological illness, as in the case of a
stroke.
 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What are the types of TBI?
1. Primary Injuries- Primary brain injury refers to the sudden and profound injury to the brain
that is considered to be more or less complete at the time of impact. This usually happens
at the time of a car accident, gunshot wound, or fall.

● Intracranial hematomas- these are the rupture of a blood vessel leading to the collection of

blood in brain tissues or empty spaces.

● Skull fracture- is a head injury where there is a break in the skull bone. While mild breaks

can cause few problems and heal over time, severe breaks can lead to complications

including bleeding, brain damage, leaking of cerebrospinal fluid, infection and seizures.
2. Secondary injuries- refer to the changes that evolve over a period of hours to days after the primary

brain injury. It includes an entire series of steps or stages of cellular, chemical, tissue, or blood vessel

changes in the brain that contribute to further destruction of brain tissue.

● Cerebral Edema - resulting in increased intracranial pressure

● Hydrocephalus- is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess

fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally

flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column.

● Second Impact Syndrome - an extremely rare outcome where death or severe neurologic injury occurs

when a person sustains a second concussion before symptoms from an earlier one have subsided.
TBI may be classified in two ways:

● Closed brain injury- happens when there is a nonpenetrating injury to the brain with no break in

the skull. A closed brain injury is caused by a rapid forward or backward movement and shaking

of the brain inside the bony skull that results in bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood

vessels.

● Penetrating brain injury or Open head injuries- happen when there is a break in the skull, such

as when a bullet pierces the brain.

 Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Types of Acquired Brain Injury:

1. Stroke- is an interruption of blood supply to a section of the brain. If arteries become

blocked, bleed or break, the brain tissue deteriorates.

2. Anoxic/Hypoxic Injury- These types of injuries occur due to a lack or complete absence of

oxygen in the brain. These injuries can occur as a result of respiratory arrests, drowning,

heart attacks and poisoning.

3. Tumor- is a collection, or mass, of abnormal cells in your brain. Your skull, which encloses your

brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors

can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).

1. Encephalitis- is an inflammation of the brain and is caused by several kinds of viruses. It can cause

mental impairments, such as loss of memory, speech problems, lack of muscle coordination,

paralysis and hearing or vision defects.

4. Toxicity- The brain can be damaged by overuse of substances such as alcohol, drugs and prescribed

drugs. Brain injury can be cause by these substances as they have a toxic effect on the central nervous

system, change metabolism, heart functioning, blood supply, interfere with absorption of brain

nutrients, cause dehydration and can lead to falls and accidents that injure the brain.
-Both traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury occur after birth. And neither is degenerative

-There is a kind of brain damage that results from genetics or birth trauma. It's called congenital brain
damage. It is not included, though, within the standard definition of brain damage or traumatic brain
injury.

-The severity of brain damage can vary with the type of brain injury.

-A mild brain injury may be temporary. It causes headaches, confusion, memory problems, and
nausea.

-In a moderate brain injury, symptoms can last longer and be more pronounced. In both cases, most
patients make a good recovery, although even in mild brain injury 15% of people will have
persistent problems after one year.

-With a severe brain injury, the person may suffer life-changing and debilitating problems. They will
have cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
 Causes of Brain Damage
-When the brain is starved of oxygen for a prolonged period of time, brain damage may occur. Brain
damage can occur as a result of a wide range of injuries, illnesses, or conditions.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes of Acquired Brain Injury Include:

● Car accidents ● Poisoning or exposure to toxic substances

● Infection
● Blows to the
head ● Strangulation, choking, or drowning
● Stroke
● Sports injuries
● Heart attacks
● Falls or accidents ● Tumors
● Physical ● Aneurysms
violence ● Neurological illnesses
● Abuse of illegal drugs
Symptoms of Brain Damage

4 Major Categories:
Cognitive
Perceptual
Physical
Behavioral/Emotional
1. Cognitive symptoms of brain damage 2. Perceptual symptoms of brain damage
include: include:
● Difficulty processing information ● Change in vision, hearing, or sense of
touch
● Difficulty in expressing thoughts
● Spatial disorientation
● Difficulty understanding others
● Inability to sense time
● Shortened attention span
● Disorders of smell and taste
● Inability to understand abstract concepts
● Balance issues
● Impaired decision-making ability
● Heightened sensitivity to pain
● Memory loss
3. Physical symptoms of brain damage 4. Behavioral/emotional symptoms of brain
include: damage include:
● Persistent headaches
● Irritability and impatience
● Extreme physical
fatigue ● Reduced tolerance for stress
● Paralysis ● Sluggishness
● Tremors ● Flattened or heightened emotions or
reactions
● Seizures
● Denial of disability
● Sensitivity to light
● Increased aggressiveness
● Sleep disorders
● Slurred speech
● Loss of consciousness
 How is Brain Damage Diagnosed?
-When diagnosing a brain injury, a doctor will first consider the person’s symptoms and the events that
led to their injury. They will also consider if the person is acting very differently from their usual
behavior or if the person is speaking and responsive to others.

-Doctors will also perform other types of testing to determine the extent of an injury. Examples of
these tests include:

● Imaging studies - CT scans or other imaging studies can reveal tumors, bleeding, or
other damage to the brain.
● Blood tests -Testing for signs of infection and electrolyte imbalances can reveal the causes and
effects of traumatic and nontraumatic injuries.
● Brain evaluations - Doctors have developed a number of tests that target certain areas of the
brain, such as memory, problem-solving, and concentration.
 Treatment for Brain Damage

-Treatments for brain damage depend on the type of injury and the person’s symptoms. They can also

vary over time, as doctors see the extent to which a person’s brain was damaged.

-According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an estimated 50 percent of

patients with severe head injuries require surgery. This is true when there’s significant bleeding in the

brain, a tumor, or foreign objects that are in the skull or brain itself.
-A surgeon may place special tools to monitor a person’s intracranial pressure or to drain blood or

cerebrospinal fluid. This can help reduce pressure in the brain and prevent ongoing injury.

-If a person’s brain injury is severe or they’ve experienced other injuries to the body, a doctor may insert

a breathing tube to support their breathing while their brain and body heal.

-Doctors may also administer antibiotics to treat infections or medications to treat electrolyte

imbalances.
-After treating the most acute brain injury stages, doctors may recommend treatments such as:

● occupational therapy

● physical therapy

● psychotherapy

● speech/language therapy
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John Arthur Hopkins. (2021) Traumatic Brain Injury. Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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Christopher Melinosky. (2020). Brain Damage: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-damage-symptoms-causes-treatments

Palenhan, P.H (2018). Types of Traumatic Brain Injury. BrainLine, WETA Public Television

3939 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA 22206 https://www.brainline.org/article/types-traumatic-brain-injury

http://elementssupportservices.com/information-sheets/types-of-acquired-brain-injury/#diffuse_axonal_injury

Percival H Pangilinan, Jr, MD. (2020). Classification and Complications of Traumatic Brain Injury. Department of Physical Medicine
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Rachel Nall (2019) Brain Damage: What You Need to Know. https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-damage#injury-types