What is a Non-Traumatic Brain Injury?

A non-traumatic brain injury, despite what the name implies, can be just as damaging as a traumatic brain injury. The way a brain injury is caused will determine whether it is classified as traumatic or non-traumatic. While a traumatic brain injury is caused by some type of blow or injury sustained to the head, a non-traumatic injury is usually caused by an internal problem. The important thing to note is that any head injury, traumatic or otherwise, can be extremely serious and damaging.

When something goes wrong inside the body, any number of organs and crucial systems may be affected, including the brain. An infection, a stroke, meningitis, bleeding in the brain, tumors, or lack of oxygen to the brain can all cause a non-traumatic brain injury. These issues are all extremely serious and can result in permanent damage or disability, or even death.

Someone might sustain a non-traumatic brain injury by inhaling a toxic chemical, such as carbon monoxide. Toxic chemicals aren’t always easily identifiable, and it is possible to inhale something dangerous at work or a home without realizing it before it is too late. Or the non-traumatic brain injury could stem from some existing but hidden condition, such as an aneurysm (where a blood vessel in the brain bulges) or an arteriovenous malformation, (where a blood vessel in the brain forms incorrectly), either of which may lead to bleeding in the brain.

Serious illnesses, such as meningitis, may also result in a non-traumatic brain injury. People who suffer autoimmune conditions or those who sustain a serious infection might also suffer a non-traumatic brain injury if the brain tissue becomes inflamed. Or, people who suffer a stroke may acquire a brain injury as a result of the lack of blood supply to the brain. Without blood, the brain cells will start to die, which can cause a serious injury or permanent damage. A lack of oxygen to the brain can also cause serious injuries, such as anoxic brain injury or hypoxic brain injury.

Non-traumatic brain injuries will often cause headaches, migraines, nausea, and dizziness. Anyone showing signs of undue exhaustion, confusion, loss of memory, or other abnormal behaviors should see a doctor immediately.

Contact BD&J to speak with our personal injury attorneys about your case.