​What are the common causes of TBI?

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Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain is subjected to sudden mechanical forces. Falls are the leading cause of TBI, particularly among children and older adults. Sports-related injuries are also common, especially in high-contact activities like football, hockey, soccer, and boxing, where impacts can cause both concussions and more severe brain injuries.

 

Motor vehicle accidents, including car, motorcycle, and bicycle crashes, are another major cause. The rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head during these collisions can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or diffuse injury. Workplace accidents and violent assaults are additional causes, particularly in adults.

 

In military settings, blast injuries are a unique mechanism of TBI. Explosive forces create pressure waves that can penetrate the skull and disrupt brain function without direct impact. Recognizing the cause of a TBI is important because it helps clinicians anticipate the type and severity of injury and implement appropriate treatment strategies.