Children may also have acquired brain injuries as the result of illness, infections, loss of oxygen, tumors, strokes, or metabolic disorders. The brain controls the body's many functions and actions. Consequently, traumatic and acquired brain injuries can interrupt, delay, or alter a child's development. It is also the diagnosis most likely to result in multiple limitations in function and long-term disabilities. The causes of brain injury vary by children's age.
Physical abuse occurs most among infants.
Toddlers are prone to injury from falls. Young children are injured as passengers in car accidents. Pedestrian and bicycle collisions with motor vehicles increase among school-age children. Adolescents become injured as drivers as well as occupants of motor vehicles. Injuries due to violence increase among adolescents.