Most people have heard of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), but less people are aware of acquired brain injuries (ABIs). TBIs are brain injuries that occur from an external force and can be intentional/violent or accidental and not as violent. ABIs, on the other hand, are brain injuries that are caused by internal factors.
Intentional and accidental TBIs can’t always be prevented, but there are ways to protect yourself and lessen your chances of receiving a TBI. Almost all types of ABIs can be prevented as well. Here’s a look at some of the different types of brain injuries, what causes them, and how you can protect yourself from/prevent them.
What Are Some Common Types and Causes of Brain Injuries?
TBI Types and Causes
Before you can understand how to protect yourself from brain injuries, you must understand the different types and what causes them. A TBI is pretty simple because it’s always caused by external trauma to the head. This can be due to an assault, a car/motorcycle accident, a fall, or even a sports injury. Three types of TBIs include:
- Concussions: minor brain injury that can be mild or severe in nature.
- Contusions: bruise of the brain tissue that can also be mild or severe.
- Penetrating: when an object breaks through the skull and/or brain tissue.
ABI Types and Causes
Acquired brain injuries are a little more complex, as there are different types and many different causes of ABIs. The most common type of ABI is a stroke, in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted. A variety of health issues can cause strokes, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, but sometimes a TBI can lead to a stroke. Other types of ABIs include:
- Tumor
- Meningitis
- Aneurysm
Brain tumors and brain aneurysms can’t always be prevented, so it’s important to know the signs of all types of ABIs.
How to Protect Yourself from TBIs and ABIs
TBI Protection
Depending on the cause, there are ways that you can protect yourself from receiving a TBI. Make sure that you’re wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or playing a sport such as football or hockey, where head injuries are very likely. You should also follow all traffic laws when riding a motorcycle and driving a car— as well as wear your seatbelt while driving or riding in a car.
Some occupations can also put workers at risk for a head injury. One of the most notably dangerous jobs is construction, where workers are at risk for head injuries and more. If you work in a high-risk industry, make sure that you are wearing your personal protective equipment properly and at all times.
As for falls that can lead to head injuries, more caution must be exercised. Children under the age of 6 and adults over the age of 65 are most likely to get seriously hurt in a fall. Children should always be supervised, and older adults should make sure that their homes are free of tripping, slipping, and falling hazards since most elder falls occur in the home.
Sometimes, you can take all of the necessary precautions and still end up with a TBI from an accident or even an assault. In this case, after contacting a doctor, contact a personal injury lawyer, such as Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.
ABI Protection
Meningitis and strokes can be prevented by taking certain measures. Some forms of bacterial and viral meningitis can be prevented with vaccines. You can also lower your risk by practicing good hygiene and eating healthy. Your risk of developing a stroke can also be decreased by eating healthy and exercising at least 150 minutes a week.
Brain aneurysms and brain tumors may also be able to be prevented (or your risk lowered) by living a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not exactly certain how these two types of ABIs are caused. It’s thought that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause them, and even suffering a TBI may cause them. But again, understanding the symptoms of any type of brain injury is key in recovery.
Protecting yourself as much as you can from any type of brain injury is the first step in protecting your brain. Unfortunately, brain injuries can still happen. So if you’ve received any type of blow to the head, it’s important to watch out for symptoms such as headache, loss of consciousness, dizziness, or nausea and vomiting. It’s also important to know the signs of the different ABIs and strive to live a healthy lifestyle.
