Certified Brain Injury Specialist Practice Exam

An acquired brain injury is primarily caused by which of the following?

1. Infection

2. External force or internal insults

3. Genetic conditions

4. Neurological disorders

The correct answer is: External force or internal insults

An acquired brain injury refers to damage to the brain that occurs after birth, as opposed to congenital brain injuries that exist from birth. The primary causes of acquired brain injuries include external forces, such as traumatic events like falls, accidents, or violence, and internal insults, such as strokes, tumors, or infections that affect the brain's integrity. This makes the option highlighting external force or internal insults the most accurate choice, as it encompasses the broad spectrum of events that can lead to acquired brain injuries. In contrast, infection can contribute to acquired brain injuries, but it is just one part of a larger category. Genetic conditions and neurological disorders typically refer to conditions present at birth or result from chronic progression rather than an injury acquired after birth. Therefore, while these other options may relate to factors affecting brain health, they do not specifically define the primary causes associated with acquired brain injuries.