Stroke
A stroke occurs when the normal blood supply to the brain is interrupted, caused by swelling within a blood vessel or a clot obstructing the vessel.
For further information on stroke, visit the Irish Heart Foundation and learn about stroke
Encephalitis
An acute inflammation of the brain. The majority of cases are caused by either a viral infection or the immune system mistakenly attacking brain tissue.
Encephalitis generally begins with fever and headache. The symptoms rapidly worsen, and there may be seizures ( fits ), confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness, and even coma.
Encephalitis can be life-threatening, but this is rare. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the disease and age.
Younger patients tend to recover without many ongoing health issues, whereas older patients are at higher risk for complications and mortality.
When there is direct viral infection of the brain or spinal cord, it is called primary encephalitis.
Secondary encephalitis refers to an infection which started off elsewhere in the body and then spread to the brain.
Meningitis
This is a rare infection that affects the delicate membranes — called meninges — that cover the brain and spinal cord. You or your children can catch it. There are several types of this disease, including bacterial, viral, and fungal.For further information on meningitis, visit www.meningitis-trust.org
Lack of oxygen to the brain
This can happen through a serious heart attack or respiratory failure where parts of the brain are deprived of oxygen.
Toxicity
Overdose of alcohol, drugs or poisonous substances
Brain tissue damage
Tissue can be damaged through brain tumours or surgery
Acquired brain injury
The word “acquired” is used as the injury was acquired after birth (The person was not born with a brain injury)
How do brain injuries happen ?
There are two categories of brain injuries :
1. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries occur through a blow to the head, such as:
• Fall
• Violence (assault)
• Road traffic accident
2. Non traumatic brain injuries
Non traumatic brain injuries can occur through the following:
• Stroke
• Lack of oxygen to the brain ( Hypoxia)
• Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis
• Toxicity
• Damage of brain tissue from a brain tumour or by surgery to remove a tumour or correct another problem.
