Causes of ABI
Neoplasm
Cause
An abnormal mass of tissue in the brain caused by the abnormal growth or division of cells. Brain damage associated with neoplasms are sometimes caused indirectly through their treatment
Examples
Brain tumours (both malignant and benign)
Poisoning
Cause
An ingestion of a substance which depresses heart rate or breathing, which then starves the brain of oxygen
Examples of cause
Hypoxic brain damage associated with carbon monoxide inhalation
Vascular
Cause
The malformations of blood vessels supplying the brain, or interruptions of blood circulation due to clots. This can result in damage to the brain when not supplied with enough oxygen
Examples of cause
Arterio venous malformation (AVM)
Stroke
Aneurysm
Venous thrombosis
Hypoxia / anoxia
Cause
An interruption of the supply of oxygen to the brain due to external or internal factors, which can result in an ABI
Examples of cause
Complications during cardiac surgery
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia
Near drowning
Partial strangulation
Seizures
Infection
Cause
An invasion of the brain by bacteria or viruses which multiple causing an adverse reaction in the tissues for example inflammation
Examples
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Toxic shock/sepsis
Sub-dural and cerebral abscess
Trauma (Traumatic Brain Injury / TBI)
Cause
An external physical force impacting on the brain
Examples
Road traffic accident
Fall
Assault
Sporting accident
Gunshot wound
Violent shaking (including non-accidental injury)
Metabolic
Cause
A range of disorders / difficulties in how the body breaks down, converts and transports nutrients that have the potential to interrupt and impair the brain’s functions, leading to an ABI
Examples
Hypoglycaemia
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Electrolyte abnormalities
Inborn errors of metabolism
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hormonal abnormalities (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary)
Uraemic encephalopathy
