There are many types of events that can result in a traumatic brain injury. Some of the most common include:
1. Falls
Falls are the most common cause of brain injuries in the U.S., accounting for about 35% of these cases. The rates are higher (50%) among children ages 0-14 and 62% among seniors over the age of 65.
A slip and fall on another person’s property can lead to a TBI, even if your head doesn’t hit the ground. The simple act of the body being violently jolted is enough to cause a brain injury.
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
The second-leading cause of brain injuries is traffic accidents, which accounts for 17% of TBIs. However, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death related to brain injuries.
Whiplash from a car, truck, or motorcycle accident can lead to TBI. Even when whiplash doesn’t exist, a collision that causes the head to strike an object can have severe consequences.
3. Struck by Object
The next leading cause (16.5%) comes from a person being struck by an object. However, this is the second leading cause of TBIs (25%) among children ages 0-14.
An example of this type of injury is materials that fall off of a store shelf onto a customer’s head. Another is falling materials on a construction site that hit a passing worker.
4. Violence
A person being the victim of physical violence related to assault or a being shot is the cause of roughly 10% of all TBIs. Some examples of TBIs related to violence are stabbing and gunshot wounds to the head as well as the head striking the ground during an assault. Shaken baby syndrome can lead to a TBI in infants.
5. Other/Unknown
There are other causes of brain injury that don’t fall into one of the above categories. This group accounts for 21% of all TBIs.
A common cause that ends up in this catch-all category is sports, and these aren’t always the “extreme” sports that most people imagine. While boxing, hockey, and football are dangerous, so are sports like soccer, baseball, and cycling. In short, it’s always a good idea to have proper training and wear a helmet.
