How can you get brain damage?

As a medical professional with expertise in neurology, I can explain that brain damage, also known as brain injury, can occur in several ways. It affects brain cells and is often the result of a head injury, accident, or trauma. Here are some common causes of brain damage: 1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): This is caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head, that causes the brain to move inside the skull or damages the skull. This can happen in car accidents, falls, or contact sports. 2. Non-Traumatic Brain Injury: This can be caused by internal factors such as a stroke, which occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. It can also result from a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can be due to drowning, suffocation, or heart attack. 3. Infections: Certain infections, like meningitis or encephalitis, can lead to brain damage by causing inflammation in the brain. 4. Tumors: Brain tumors can damage brain tissue by pressing on it or by invading it. 5. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease can lead to brain cell death and brain damage over time. 6. Substance Abuse: Long-term use of certain drugs, including alcohol, can lead to brain damage. 7. Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals can also cause brain damage. 8. Malnutrition: Severe and prolonged malnutrition can lead to brain damage, particularly in children. It's important to note that the severity and type of brain damage can vary widely depending on the cause and the individual's health.

Brain damage, or brain injury, affects brain cells and is often the result of a head injury, accident or trauma. ... Both disrupt the brain's normal functioning. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head, that causes the brain to move inside the skull or damages the skull.