Medical Information on Brain Damage
Depending on the extent and characteristics of each type of brain damage, this condition can render the patient temporarily unconscious, permanently mentally ill or even dead. Doctors typically divide brain damage into two major types: brain defects patients are born with (congenital brain damage) and brain damage incurred as a result of various illnesses and traumatic events (non-congenital brain damage). It is important to determine the exact cause of brain damage as treatment and prognosis largely depend on it.
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Congenital Brain Damage
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The arrival of a new baby is an immensely joyous event. However, sometimes parents' happiness is overshadowed by the devastating news that their newborn has brain damage. This can be caused either by abnormalities in the fetal development process or by birth complications. About seven percent of all newborns suffer injuries in the process of transitioning from the mother's uterus to the outside world. Certain types of injuries can cause permanent brain damage. For example, if the baby suffers asphyxia (lack of oxygen), some of the sensitive brain cells might die, causing irreversible brain damage. Similarly, if the baby suffers serious a head injury while transitioning through the birth canal, she might be born with brain damage.
Brain Damage and Cerebral Palsy
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Newborn brain damage can lead to the onset of various conditions, including cerebral palsy. Depending on the extent of brain damage, a child affected by cerebral palsy might experience developmental problems and mental retardation that range from mild difficulties to major impediments. Thus, while some children might be able to function in a regular classroom environment, others might need special care, and yet others might be unable to perform even basic everyday functions, such as eating and brushing their teeth.
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Non-Congenital Brain Damage
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Non-congenital brain damage is most often caused by a neurological illness or by a traumatic injury to the head. Depending on the type of injury, brain damage might range from minor (such as a mild concussion) to severe (such as a diffuse brain injury). In the latter case, the patient might be rendered unable to speak, remember and make logical connections between various thoughts. Depending on the affected brain region, the patient might also lose the ability to control basic functions, such as hand coordination and bowel movements.
Causes of Non-Congenital Brain Damage
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While people commonly associate brain injury with contact sports such as football, in reality, only about three percent of all non-congenital brain damage is incurred as a result of sports accidents. The leading causes of non-congenital brain damage are falls and motor vehicle accidents. Slip-and-fall mishaps most often affect people over the age of 75, while auto accidents are the leading cause of non-congenital brain damage in persons younger than 75. Unfortunately, accidents involving cars, trucks and motorcycles occur every day. According to government statistics, more than 25 percent of Americans have been involved in a motor vehicle accident over the last five years. In many cases, victims of these unfortunate events suffer serious injuries to the head causing brain damage.
Symptoms of Brain Damage
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Because each brain region controls different functions, brain damage can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the affected area. In cases of mild brain damage, symptoms might include headache, problems with concentration, slurred speech and a brief loss of consciousness. If the brain damage is more pronounced, the patient might experience seizures, paralysis, vision loss, hearing impairment and memory loss. Because sometimes brain damage does not cause immediate symptoms, many patients delay seeking medical help. For example, some car accident or fall victims who have sustained major concussions or contusions might appear fine for hours or even days following these events. Unfortunately, during this time brain damage might intensify, causing irreversible harm to sensitive brain cells that can lead to devastating consequences.
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