We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Common Causes of Long Term Brain Damage?

By Amanda Barnhart
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,924
Share

The most common causes of long term brain damage include physical trauma, stroke, tumors and infections. Long term brain damage is also sometimes found in infants who sustained injury while in the womb or during the labor and delivery process. Infants born with genetic abnormalities or spinal cord injuries might also suffer from brain damage in the long term.

Physical trauma is one of the most common causes of long term brain damage that is acquired later in life. Any type of harsh blow to the head can lead to permanent brain damage. Repetitive trauma is also a common cause of brain damage. This type of injury is often seen in professional athletes who participate in contact sports, such as boxing or football. Indirect trauma, such as whiplash, can also cause severe injury to the brain, damaging the nerves and cells.

An individual who suffers a stroke will likely have some form of brain damage, ranging from mild to severe. A stroke is usually caused by a blood clot that temporarily cuts off or restricts blood flow to the brain. Without blood, the brain is deprived of oxygen, and cells begin to die. Another type of stroke, called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. This type of stroke is often caused by an aneurysm, a thin portion of an artery that can swell and rupture.

Patients who develop brain tumors or infections in the brain or spinal cord are at risk for long term brain damage. The brain might swell because of an infection or press against the skull because of a tumor. This can lead to bleeding or bruising, which can permanently damage parts of the brain.

Long term brain damage might result from an injury or damage to a specific part of the brain or might occur in several areas, as with a stroke or tumor. Which areas of the brain are affected play a large role in determining the outcome of the individual's condition. For example, if the areas of the brain that control speech and communication are badly damaged, the person might not be able to speak for the rest of his or her life. Assessing long term brain damage is a complicated process that involves many tests and considerations, so individuals who have suffered brain damage and their loved ones should speak at length with a doctor and specialists to determine the prognosis and what type of treatment might be necessary.

Suffering any type of head trauma can lead to long term brain damage, even if the signs are not immediately present. Any individual who has suffered a head injury, suspects a stroke or has persistent headaches or vision problems with no other explanation should seek medical attention to evaluate the condition. Long term brain damage can sometimes be prevented with early intervention and proper medical care.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-common-causes-of-long-term-brain-damage.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.