Head trauma that causes a brain injury can occur at any time and to anyone, from pedestrians who slip on an icy sidewalk to soldiers who become injured on the battlefield. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are 138 fatal brain injuries every day in the United States and many survivors are left with a wide range of disabilities. Here are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury.

The leading cause of trauma is falls. Most often affecting the very young and old, these falls can happen while showering, climbing ladders, going down stairs and even simply getting out of bed. Children often suffer falls resulting in head injury while climbing on top of counters and shelves at home or a caregiver's house.

The Mayo Clinic claims that violence is the cause of brain injury 20 percent of the time. Common acts that cause head trauma can include domestic violence or bullet wounds. Violent sports, such as boxing and football, may also cause a TBI, and it is common for youth to sustain brain injuries by participating high impact sports. Activities such as lacrosse, soccer, baseball and hockey are all known for having a high rate of head trauma.

A TBI does not necessarily involve a direct trauma. For example, shaken baby syndrome, whiplash from a car accident, or the pressure wave from an explosive device may damage the brain even though a person's head never comes into contact with another object.