- Falls (28%). Falling out of bed, slipping in the bath, falling down steps and/or from ladders and related falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In particular, older adults and young children are affected.
- Vehicle-related collisions (20%). Collisions including cars, motorcycles, bicycles and/or pedestrians involved in such accidents are a common cause of TBI.
- Violence (20%). This encompasses gunshot wounds, domestic violence and child abuse. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) may cause TBI due to the violent shaking of the infant, which damages brain cells.
- Sports injuries. TBI may be caused by injuries from a number of sports such as football, soccer, boxing, baseball, hockey, and other high-impact or extreme sports.
- Explosive blasts and other combat injuries are a common cause of TBI in active-duty military personnel. Many researchers believe that the pressure wave passing through the brain significantly disrupts brain functions.