protected, but it can be injured. Every injury is different and most injuries are the result of bruising, bleeding, twisting, or tearing of brain tissue. Damage to the brain may occur at the time of injury or it may develop after the injury due to swelling or bleeding. Patients may have more than one type of brain injury. The brain is composed of soft and delicate structures that lie within the rigid skull. Surrounding the brain is a layer of wrinkled grey tissue called the cerebral cortex. Within the brain, there are cranial nerves that are responsible for many activities, such as eye opening, facial movements, speech, and hearing. These nerves carry and receive messages that allow the person to think and function normally. There are also centers that control the level of consciousness and vital activities, such as breathing. Blood and spinal fluid cushion the brain. There is very little extra room within the skull cavity. An injury to the head causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull. This force may cause tearing or twisting o
             ...