Types of Acquired Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force resulting in an impairment of a person's physical, cognitive or emotional functioning. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe, and the resulting impairments may be temporary or permanent. Traumatic brain injuries may be due to sudden energy forces applied to the brain and skull, including acceleration – deceleration events. Traumatic brain injuries may result from motor vehicle collisions, falls, blows to the head, defective products, or medical negligence. Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury. Often, the victim of the brain injury does not initially realize that he or she has suffered from a brain injury. Brain injury has been called the "silent epidemic" of our society.

Anoxic, Hypoxic, Ischemic Brain Injuries

Anoxic brain injury is caused by a total lack of oxygen to the brain. Deprived of oxygen for four minutes or longer, brain cells will begin to die. Hypoxic brain injury is caused by inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain. Ischemic brain injury is caused by inadequate supply of blood to the brain, and can cause anoxia or hypoxia. Some of the causes of anoxic, hypoxic, or ischemic brain injuries are: medical malpractice, such as problems with anesthesia, intubations, extubations, child birth, or inordinate bleeding; drownings; smoke inhalation; carbon monoxide exposure; or other events that cause a disruption of oxygen or excessive bleeding.