Brain injuries are caused by blows to the head or penetrating head injuries that disrupt the normal function of the brain. Common causes of brain injury include traffic accidents, falls, physical assault, and accidents at home, work, outdoors, or while playing sports. The leading causes of brain injury are:

Falls. Slip-and-falls account for approximately 28 percent of new brain injuries each year. Falls are the leading cause of brain injury for children under age four or adults over age 75 years.

Motor vehicle accidents. Auto accidents account for 20 percent of brain injuries.

Struck by/against events. Struck by/against events, in which the head is jolted by a collision with a moving or stationary object, account for 19 percent of brain injuries.

Assaults. Violent encounters (often involving gunshot wounds) account for 11 percent of brain injuries.

Statistics provided by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.