Complaint

Brain trauma

A blow to the head can damage the brain tissue, which in some instances can cause damage to the outermost layer of the brain. The blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain can also be damaged and thus injure the brain. Severe brain injury can lead to functional or permanent damage. This risk is reduced if correctly diagnosed within the shortest possible time frame.

Types of brain traumas

Traumatic brain injury (non-congenital brain injury)

Traumatic brain injury, also known as non-congenital brain injury, occurs when an external force impacts the brain. Possible causes include falls, car and bicycle accidents, and violence.

Aerotoxic syndrome

Although medical science is divided, it is believed that aerotoxic syndrome is caused among flight crews by inhaling high concentrations of oil vapour distributed through the air that is supplied from the bleed air taken from the aircraft engines.

Brain damage

Brain damage, also referred to as brain injury, is damage to the brain, ranging from concussion or cerebral haemorrhage to epilepsy.

Cerebral infarction

A cerebral infarction occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is abruptly blocked, in which case an area of the brain does not get enough oxygen. This in turn results in dysfunction.

Cerebral haemorrhage

Usually, a cerebral haemorrhage is totally unexpected. A tear suddenly occurs in a blood vessel in the brain, causing blood to flow in or around the brain. This blood accumulates and pushes healthy brain tissue aside, thus damaging the brain tissue and causing dysfunction.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a severe blow to the head. The complaints usually pass over time.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder that manifests itself in the form of seizures. These seizures are caused by a sudden, temporary disruption of the electrical stimulation of the brain.