There are two types of brain injuries: traumatic, when an external object causes brain tissue damage, and non-traumatic, also called acquired brain injury, the result of change, damage or infection internal to the body.
There are many different causes of non-traumatic brain injuries, some of which are more common than others. They include infections, lack of oxygen, tumors and bleeding in the brain, which we describe in detail below
NeuLife’s brain injury rehabilitation program provides care for patients with traumatic and non-traumatic injuries.
Read about traumatic brain injury rehab in this article.
Brain infections can occur as a result of viruses or bacteria. Staph, for example, spreads with the blood to the brain, damaging brain tissue. One of the most common brain infections, meningitis, can be caused by a virus or bacteria. More common to contract in childhood years, it causes strong headaches, fever, sleepiness, and nausea, among other symptoms. It should be treated immediately after diagnosis, as the complications may be severe.
A related condition, encephalitis, is an inflammation of the brain, caused by different types of viruses and characterized by brain swelling. The swelling itself can impede brain function until it goes down. It may also damage surrounding brain tissue, or result in other problems, such as a loss of oxygen to the brain or fluid in the brain. Brain swelling is often the product of an infection, but can also be due to an untreated autoimmune disorder, cancer, and even some allergic reactions.
Not all brain tumors are cancerous, but even benign tumors can cause brain damage. When a brain tumor pushes on some brain area or deprives it of oxygen, the functionality of that area becomes limited. Removing the tumor may fix the problem, but brain surgery is always a great risk. If the tumor does not show signs of growing or changing, your doctor might suggest you leave it in place and avoid the risks of removal.
When a tumor is due to cancer, your doctor might remove it, recommend chemotherapy or radiation, or offer some combination of these treatments.
A stroke is a cardiovascular event during which the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Without oxygen, the brain cells start to die. Stroke needs immediate response and treatment. The main reason for it is poor cardiovascular health, though anyone—including children—can suffer from a stroke. NeuLife’s brain injury rehab program specializes in taking care of patients who have suffered a stroke.
A related occurrence, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is sometimes called a mini-stroke. These episodes, which sometimes occur multiple times, produce a temporary blockage that quickly resolves. If you have suffered a TIA, you are at risk of a stroke. Some people also experience minor brain damage as a result of TIA.
Locked-in syndrome is often caused by a stroke, and results in brain damage so severe that the person loses his ability to speak or move, and may be able to only move their eyes. The person is fully conscious and realizes the situation; however, they are without the ability to interact, literally locked into his or her brain.
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more. Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
We know that choosing the next step in your recovery from a catastrophic illness or injury is complex. Together, we can help you take the next step.
Contact us with any questions today.
