What happens when I hurt my brain?

What happens inside my brain when it is injured?

My brain is protected inside my skull by cerebrospinal fluid which acts as a shock absorber. This cushions the brain from damage caused by everyday bumps or knocks.

This cushioning is needed because, inside my skull, my brain is soft and squishy - like ripe avocado or warm butter. If my head is suddenly hit against something hard, the brain may be ‘bounced’ against the inside of my skull, and brain tissue can be stretched or bruised.  In serious cases, the brain may even bleed.

How could my brain get an injury?

The most common causes of injury to the brain are:

• falling
• car accidents
• bicycle accidents
• sporting accidents (eg a rugby tackle, or being hit by a cricket ball)
• being struck or hit by another person
• illness (eg meningitis or seizures)
• lack of oxygen (near-drowning or suffocation)

How can a brain injury make me feel?

People with brain injuries can have many symptoms. They may include:

• headache
• vomiting
• tiredness
• loss of memory
• inability to concentrate
• moodiness / irritability
• changes in behaviour or personality

Other effects of an injury depend on the part of the brain that is damaged. For example, problems with hand/eye coordination may happen if a particular part of the parietal lobe (area of the brain just behind the top of the head) is injured.

How can I keep my brain safe?

There are things I can do to protect my brain from injury. They include:

• wearing helmets for activities such as riding a bike or skateboarding
• always wearing a seatbelt in a car
• being careful in high or dangerous places where there is a risk of falling

Now you have read the Fact Sheet give Harold's Quiz a try!