What are the different types of brain injuries?

At the Natalie Kate Moss Trust, our mission is to reduce the number of lives lost due to brain haemorrhages.

A Brain Haemorrhage (or a haemorrhagic stroke) is when there is a brain bleed in or on the brain.

However, brain haemorrhages are just one type of brain injury. So, what are the different types and what are their differences?

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is any brain injury sustained after birth and can be caused by various factors such as falls, road accidents, tumours, and strokes. Any brain injury brings the risk of neurological damage, and the extent of this damage varies significantly based on the severity of the brain injury as well as the speed by which the injury is treated. 

Types of brain injuries

There are several types of brain injuries, including (but not limited to):

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Minor head injuries and concussion (a concussion is defined as when you lose consciousness for less than 15 minutes)

• A haemorrhagic stroke, including a burst aneurysm

• An Ischemic stroke (when there is a lack of blood supply, and therefore oxygen, to the brain).

TBIs are typically caused by external forces like a blow to the head from a fall, a road traffic accident etc, whereas strokes result from blood clots and internal bleeding in the brain, which can be spontaneous, but there may be some factors that put you more at risk of having a haemorrhage on the brain such as high blood pressure.

Symptoms of brain injuries

Brain injury symptoms can vary widely but may include (but not limited to): 

• Concussion

• Persistent headaches

• Vomiting or nausea

• Seizures

• Trouble walking or talking

Whilst many people recover quickly from minor head injuries, such as concussions, this isn't always the case, and some may experience long-term effects. The more severe the brain injury (such as when there is bleeding in the brain), the more likely the effects will be prolonged and significant. 

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Life after a brain injury

Life after a brain injury is a journey that’s different for everyone, which brings a lot of uncertainty.

Brain haemorrhage, although less common than other types of stroke, is the most lethal and debilitating. About one-third of patients don't survive the first month after their bleed, and three-quarters of those who do face life-altering disabilities. Sadly, survival rates haven’t improved much in the past 30 years, with limited progress in treatments compared to other stroke types. 

Recovery from a haemorrhagic stroke varies from person to person – some may regain independence within weeks to months, while, for others, this may take years and life could look very different. The size and location of the bleed in the brain, the person’s age and timely intervention, all determine the symptoms and challenges a survivor may face as well as the speed of their recovery. Find out more about surviving a brain haemorrhage.

Support and resources

Brain injuries can have a profound impact on an individual's life, resulting in behavioural, physical, mental and emotional changes.

But please remember, you are not alone. 

If you have suffered a brain haemorrhage, or a loved one of yours has, you can find more information and resources to help you navigate this difficult time. And if you feel you need extra support, such as therapy, neuro physio or even legal advice, our partners are here to support you too.

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To read more about : 

Whether you can survive a Brain Haemorrhage

If Brain Haemorrhages are hereditary