Traumatic brain injury refers to a change in brain function due to an event after birth. While acquired brain injuries can be caused by a number of factors, traumatic brain injuries are specifically caused by an accident, fall, or blunt force to the head. Brain injury can affect a person’s cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning.
Spinal cord injuries are also most commonly caused by trauma including car crashes or sporting accidents, falls and blunt force to the spine. A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis from the neck or chest down, resulting in restricted mobility and feeling. For most people with a spinal injury, their spinal cord is still intact, but is damaged severely enough that it no long functions.

Causes and treatment

For traumatic brain and spinal injuries, the cause in most cases is excessive force to the part of the body effected. When this happens the body’s own protective measures – the skull and spine – cannot prevent damage to the spinal cord or brain, resulting in their injury.
Treatment for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury include surgery, rehabilitation and occupational therapy. This is to assist a person regain as much mobility, functionality and independence as possible.